Littler came from 6-3 down to edge a thriller 11-10.

Humphries overcame a poor start to the campaign to book his spot at the O2 Arena next Thursday after winning in Birmingham last week.

The back-to-back world champion is targeting a record seventh nightly victory on Thursday.

The back-to-back world champion cruised past his biggest rival in his opening match of the night.

The 19-year-old has often posted social media messages about Liverpool’s footballing struggles.

The world champion was beaten by debutant Gian van Veen in his opening match of this year’s competition.

Premier League semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall suggested the 18-year-old could retire in five years.