LUKE LITTLER gave Leeds fans the crybaby sign but his hopes of a SIXTH Premier League night win ended in tears.
The Manchester United supporter was KO’d 6-5 by old rival Luke Humphries– who was wearing a shirt inspired by his beloved Leeds– as Cool Hand secured back-to-back victories in his ‘home’ venue.
But world champion Littler, 18, was in wind-up mode all evening.
During his quarter-final clash with Nathan Aspinall he started the walk-on with a yawn gesture as he got booed and goaded the fans throughout the clash.
He then did a crybaby sign after hitting a vital checkout.
He also made a 4-1 gesture to the TV cameras during the final walk-on to celebrate United’s win over Athletic Bilbao.
He said: “You see it all the time, especially with the Leeds fans. It’s just banter, we love it, they love it.
“Obviously the one where I did the tears. They obviously wanted Nathan to hit it, I got that 5-4 up lead.
“I felt like I was getting pushed a bit. I had to get myself back into it. But Nathan he obviously missed his darts at doubles. I just had to take it and do my job.
“Me and Gezzy have had some quality battles but he’s obviously got the upper hand over me the past few games.”
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Humphries admitted it was another emotional night with his dad singing along with his Leeds anthem ‘I Predict A Riot’ walk-on.
He said: “It was all about qualifying for the O2 so it’s job done now. I’m not going to relax now, I want to win next week and the week after.
“I want to reach the O2 at the best of my ability.
“My dad is the biggest influence in my life. He is the reason where I am today. Everything I do, I do it for my family and him as well. I make him proud a lot. It’s nice to have him here.”
And after pipping Littler he said: “I was pretty nervous because I really wanted to win tonight.
“It’s extra special. It’s not my home town but it feels extra special.
“Hopefully this will give me confidence going into the final.”
Littler went 2-0 with 180s in each leg.
But his third 180 couldn’t stop Humphries breaking straight back with a double 16 finish, before Cool Hand won the next two legs for a 3-2 lead.
The Nuke levelled with an 11-darter but his closest rival on the planet took the next two legs to move 5-3 in front.
Littler responded by also taking two on the trot – with Humphries then blowing a match dart in the 10th – as an edgy contest went all the way.
The Warrington whizkid missed a bull’s chance to nick the decider – enabling Humphries to return and take out out a match-clinching D10 at the second attempt.
Earlier Gerwyn Price‘s 6-5 quarter-final win over Rob Cross had booked the Welshman a place on finals’ night.
