The Mancunian Way: Pride in defeat
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It wasn’t the fairytale ending many had hoped for. But in Luke Littler’s local pub - the Millhouse in Warrington - there was only pride last night as the 16-year-old wonderkid fell agonisingly short in an epic world darts final at Alexandra Palace.
Family, friends and neighbours chanted ‘There’s only one Luke Littler’ as the teenager eventually lost out to world number one Luke Humphries.
Family friend Gail Cooper, 39, who lives close to the Littlers in Padgate, summed up the joy and excitement ‘The Nuke’s’ remarkable run had sparked. “What other 16-year-old would come this far?,” she said. “I'm so proud of him. “He's been amazing.