8k8 8k8 com login

Stock market today: Wall Street climbs as bitcoin bursts above $99,000President-elect Donald Trump’s stunning announcement on Saturday night that he will nominate Kash Patel as FBI director sets the stage for a fresh round of turbulence at a law enforcement agency tasked with protecting the homeland and investigating federal crimes. Patel, a steadfast Trump ally with plans to shake up the institution he’s been tapped to lead, is a study in contrasts from the current tight-lipped director who preaches a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra. In selecting Patel over more conventional contenders, Trump is again testing his ability to get the Senate to bend to his will by confirming some of his more provocative nominees. What happens to the current FBI director? Christopher Wray was appointed director by Trump in 2017 and technically has three years left on his 10-year tenure. That length of time is meant to ensure that directors of the nation’s most prominent federal law enforcement agency can operate free from political influence or pressure. Presidents have typically but not always retained the director who was in place at the time they took office, as President Joe Biden has done with Wray. But it’s also the case that all FBI directors serve at the pleasure of the president; indeed, Wray was nominated after Trump fired the FBI chief he’d inherited when he took office, James Comey. The announcement means that Wray can either resign from the job, consistent with Trump’s apparent wishes, or wait to be fired once Trump takes office in January. Either way, the selection of a successor is a clear indication that Wray’s days are numbered. Should Wray leave before Patel can be confirmed, the position of acting director would presumably be filled in the interim by the FBI’s current deputy director. Can Patel be confirmed by the Senate? Republicans may have won control of the Senate, but his confirmation is not assured. There are no doubt lawmakers who support Trump’s desire for a radically overhauled FBI, particularly following federal investigations that resulted in two separate indictments against the president-elect, and who share his sentiment that federal law enforcement has been “weaponized” against conservatives. But Patel is likely to face deep skepticism during his confirmation hearings over his stated plans to rid the government of “conspirators” against Trump, and his claims that he would shut down the FBI’s Pennsylvania Avenue headquarters in the nation's capital and send the thousands of employees who work there to “chase down criminals” across the country. And while Trump may have wanted a loyalist willing to pursue retribution against his perceived adversaries, that perspective is likely to give pause to senators who believe that the FBI and Justice Department should operate free of political influence and not be tasked with carrying out a president’s personal agenda. Foreshadowing the potentially bruising confirmation fight ahead, Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, wrote on social media late Saturday: “Kash Patel will be another test of the Senate’s power of advice and consent. Patel needs to prove to the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has the right qualifications and, despite his past statements, will put our nation’s public safety over a political agenda focused on retribution.” Trump has also raised the prospect of using recess appointments to push his nominees through the Senate. If Patel is confirmed, can he actually do what he’s said he’ll do? Patel has made a series of brash claims about his plans for the federal government, but most of those proposals would require backing and buy-in from other officials and would almost certainly encounter significant resistance. His claim that he would reduce the FBI’s footprint and authority stands in contrast to the tack traditionally taken by leaders of the bureau, who invariably say they want more resources — not less. He’s talked about trying to rid the government of “conspirators” against Trump and of going “after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections,” whether criminally or civilly. Under the FBI’s own guidelines, criminal investigations can’t be rooted in arbitrary or groundless speculation but instead must have an authorized purpose to detect or interrupt criminal activity. And while the FBI conducts investigations, the responsibility of filing federal charges, or bringing a lawsuit on behalf of the federal government, falls to the Justice Department. Trump last week said he intended to nominate former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to serve as attorney general. Patel’s proposed crackdown on leaks of information by government officials to the media is an indication that he wants the Justice Department to undo its current policy prohibiting the secret seizure of reporters’ phone records in leak investigations. That policy was implemented by Attorney General Merrick Garland following an uproar over the revelation that federal prosecutors had obtained subpoenas for journalists’ phone records. Patel has talked about disentangling the FBI’s intelligence-gathering operations — now a core function of the bureau’s mandate — from the rest of its operations. It’s unclear whether he intends to carry through on that pledge or how it would be greeted at a time when the U.S. is facing what officials say is a heightened threat of terrorism. He also says he wants to close down the FBI’s storied Pennsylvania Avenue headquarters and send the employees who work there across the country. It’s not clear if that’s a hyperbolic claim simply reflecting disdain for the “deep state” or something he’d actually try to implement, but how that would look in practice remains a big question mark.viewers have ignited debate by taking photos during movie screenings, leading some film fans to feel that such actions are defying decorum. Over the course of s at the box office, devotees of the Broadway musical adaptation shared images of the screen to , spurred in part by a viral X (formerly Twitter) from an fan account that read, “Show ur ‘Wicked part 1’ photos.” Although the post led to a lot of users sharing their own pics of the action, plenty of were of the “Kick these people out of the theater” variety. “Any cell phone is distracting in a darkened theater, of course — even people trying to hide it,” Jason E. Squire, USC School of Cinematic Arts professor emeritus and host of podcast , tells . “It’s just intolerable behavior and should not be allowed in theaters that show any movie.” Premium theater chain Alamo Drafthouse, known for encouraging patrons to notify staff of any disruptive behavior or phone use, to the viral photo-callout post with, “Or, don’t do that.” The chain emphasizes to that they work with influencers to help provide awareness of screenings, but that any opportunities to share images from the theatrical experience would be offered before the movie begins. “We absolutely feel strongly about no phone usage once the movie starts,” says Alamo Drafthouse chief marketing office Chaya Rosenthal. “You’ve got a lot of influencers who want that self-expression and sharing their experience with their social community. So we embrace that but do it in a very different way, where we want people to specifically take those photos before the film starts and enjoy that experience in our lobbies.” Starring Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the story of s characters prior to Dorothy’s arrival, the movie got off to a magical start in its box office run, making history with the best opening weekend for a Broadway musical adaptation. Previously, the 2024 summer box office was from the year prior, suggesting that the impact from the recent Hollywood strikes was not as devastating as it could have been. That said, clearly the industry can benefit from the support of young and social media-savvy audience members. Some exhibitors have opted not to rely on the ephemeral trends dictated by social media. The Art Theatre, a single-screen house in Long Beach, California, has pivoted post-pandemic to playing second-run titles for roughly six months after the Academy Awards ceremony, although the theater will still screen new titles through the rest of this year. Notably, the venue has no plans to show or , instead opting to play , and in the coming weeks. “For every single movie, a manager does an old-time walk-through from the front of the screen to the back, just to combat if that behavior would ever exist,” says Kerstin Kansteiner, head of the board for the nonprofit theater. “We have seen it a couple times, but it’s fairly rare.” did not respond to requests for comment on the topic, but Rosenthal says that studios have generally been aligned with Alamo’s policy of staunchly discouraging phone use. Granted, studios have come to embrace for spreading the word about a movie, but the companies would want any video to be taken before a screening or in the lobby afterward. Even the concept of singing along to a theatrical musical has proven polarizing. Ahead of s release, AMC Theatres issued a statement asking theatergoers to not only avoid phone use but also not sing along with a screening, and some chains, including Alamo Drafthouse, have set up separate sing-along events to accommodate enthusiastic viewers. John Bucher — executive director of the Joseph Campbell Foundation who has served as story consultant for projects released by Paramount, HBO and A24 — notes that our society has gradually been moving toward satisfying the needs of the individual over those of the group, due to the advent of such technologies as the smartphone. “Rudeness and civility have slowly been making their way to the bottom of our values list for a long time,” Bucher says. “Encouraging people to snap pictures of the screen during a movie says something to those around us. It says that the invisible community, who isn’t here with me, is more important than the community that is here with me.” THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter8k8 8k8 com login 。

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Two New Hampshire fathers who were barred from school district events for wearing pink wristbands marked “XX” to represent female chromosomes insisted at a federal court hearing Thursday that they didn't set out to harass or otherwise target a transgender soccer player at the game they attended. But a judge hearing the case suggested the message the parents sent may matter more than their intentions. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Clemson added a quarterback to its 2025 recruiting class on Tuesday with Chris Denson announcing his decision to flip from Coastal Carolina. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder from Plant City High School in Florida had been committed to the Chanticleers since April and has yet to visit Clemson's campus. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has been putting a push on to flip Denson in recent weeks following the decommitment of Blake Hebert last month. "I just feel like my development will be through the roof," Denson told On3.com about his decision to switch. "Playing under one of the best coaches in the country and knowing that I haven't reached my potential yet, I know that they will take me to that level." A three-star recruit, Denson is ranked as the No. 50 quarterback in the nation by the 247 Composite. He is the 14th player to commit to the Tigers, who have also seen six players decommit this cycle, according to The Greenville News. "What makes Clemson special is just the level of ball that they are playing at," Denson said. "And the way they compete. I'm a huge competitor, so that's the type of place and people I want to surround myself around." --Field Level MediaRepublicans refute Dems’ claims that Trump intelligence pick Gabbard is ‘compromised’A cascade of tectonic shifts triggered by the 2022 uprising or Aragalaya during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government has reshaped Sri Lanka’s politics in such a way that more than 6,000 politicians have so far gone out of circulation, according to an election monitoring outfit. Executive Director of PAFFREL (People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections) Rohana Hettiarachchi has reportedly said those politicians were left with no alternative but to call it quits because they knew that they had absolutely no chance of re-election. Among them are some prominent figures including political party leaders. This is not something the public bargained for. Those politicians were expected to remain active in politics until they went the way of all flesh. The news of their mass exit from politics must have gladdened many a heart, but the problem is that in this country the political flotsam and jetsam swept away by occasional giant waves like the one we witnessed last month are washed back ashore after drifting for years. There is also no guarantee that the newcomers to politics will be any better. We have seen mountains in labour groan but deliver mice on several occasions during the past several decades. The current dispensation, which promised a revolutionary change in every sphere, has chosen to maintain the status quo ; what we see on the economic front is a continuation of the policies and programmes of the previous regime to all intents and purposes. The JVP-led NPP made a solemn pledge to solve the problem of rice market manipulations, with a single stroke of the presidential pen. But a cartel of millers continues to exploit farmers and consumers alike, and the government has opted for a shameful capitulation; it has restored to rice imports, which it vehemently condemned previous administrations for. The President’s pen has apparently run out of ink! There is hardly any difference between the new government’s foreign policy and that of the previous administration. The Gotabaya Rajapaksa government was in the grip of a coterie of self-styled intellectuals, who banded together to form ‘Viyathmaga’, and grabbed key positions in the state sector following the SLPP’s electoral victories. They ruined that regime. The current administration is also swayed by a me-too version of ‘Viyathmaga’, and some of its members have been exposed for flaunting fake doctorates! Above all, it’s all hat and no cattle where the NPP’s promise ‘to catch thieves’ is concerned. What has unfolded so far under the current administration is like a replay of the early stages of the Y ahapalana and SLPP governments. It is hoped that the new leaders will care to bring about the revolutionary change they promised before the presidential and parliamentary polls so that their rule will not end up being something like a remake of an old movie or stage play with a new cast. “Pity the land that needs a hero”, Brecht has famously said. Since Independence, Sri Lanka has been looking for heroes, fallen for the wiles of numerous bogus messiahs and seen many false dawns. Even a shaman succeeded in making a killing by selling an untested herby syrup, called Dhammika peniya , which was touted as a cure for Covid-19; he even duped some political leaders into swallowing it. The news about the riddance of 6,000 politicians reminds us of an Aesopian fable, where a fox has one of its legs stuck in a rock crevice in a shallow stream. Having struggled to free itself but in vain, the poor creature is lying exhausted and covered with ticks when a small animal which happens to pass by offers to remove the ticks as it is not strong enough to do anything else. The fox says the parasites had better be left untouched because they are already bloated and therefore cannot suck anymore blood, and if they are removed another colony of ticks will descend on it and bleed it dry. Sri Lanka has been in the same predicament as the aforesaid fox all these years; successive governments have drained its Treasury dry with reckless spending and corruption. One can only hope that the new dispensation will be different. Hope is said to spring eternal.

SIR Rod Stewart earns his stripes after sticking up for wife Penny over her Gregg Wallace run-in — and enjoys a night out as a reward. The 79-year-old singer and Penny, 53, partied at Annabel’s private members club in Mayfair, central London, on Friday night. It came after MasterChef co-host Wallace, 60, stepped down from his role. We told on Friday how Rod had called him a “tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully” for “humiliating” Penny on the celeb show in 2021. Earlier this week, Rod slammed Gregg as a 'bully' in an online post. Gregg was first accused of making "inappropriate sexual comments" to a female BBC staffer on Impossible Celebrities. Some 13 people who worked with Gregg across a range of shows over a 17-year period have now accused him of making sexual comments, the BBC confirmed today. The Baby Jane hitmaker took to social media on Thursday to hit out at Gregg for his treatment towards his wife Penny. Former Loose Women panellist Penny appeared on BBC Celebrity MasterChef back in 2021. Rod shared a scathing post, claiming: "So Gregg Wallace gets fired from MasterChef. Good riddance Wallace. "You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, buy you had that but cut out didn't you? "You're a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. "Karma got ya."

Five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood , the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300 recruiting rankings , has flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan , he confirmed on social media Thursday. Underwood announced the news with a video posted to Instagram with the caption "Hometown Hero." The move comes amid a critical recruiting shakeup, especially at the quarterback position, just 13 days from the start of the early signing period. Underwood, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder from Belleville, Michigan, is the top pocket passer in the class. With his flip, he becomes the highest-rated commit in Michigan program history and the top prospect in Sherrone Moore's inaugural recruiting class, which currently sits at No. 14 in ESPN's latest team rankings for the 2025 cycle. YES SIR ! #GoBlue 🔵 The Best players in Michigan go to Michigan ! #ProcessoverPrize25 Underwood's move comes as the latest piece of seismic quarterback movement atop the 2025 class ahead of the start of the early signing period on Dec. 4. Five-star quarterback Julian Lewis decommitted from USC on Nov. 17 and subsequently pledged to Colorado earlier Thursday. Committed to LSU since Jan. 6, 2024, Underwood remained the crown jewel of Brian Kelly's 2025 class over the past 11 months. Yet Michigan remained in contact with Underwood throughout his senior season at Belleville High School -- situated less than 30 minutes from Michigan Stadium. Editor's Picks CFB's top 50 recruiting classes for 2025: Ole Miss makes big gains; Julian Lewis boosts Buffs 6h Craig Haubert ESPN 300 rankings: How the QBs fit, which players will impact the 2025 CFP and more 29d Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill The Wolverines intensified their pursuit of Underwood over the past two months with sources telling ESPN that the program stepped up with a competitive NIL package. The Oct. 30 decommitment of four-star quarterback commit Carter Smith (No. 155 in the ESPN 300) from the Wolverines heightened the buzz around a potential flip by Underwood. Michigan secures a potentially program-defining quarterback and one of the most significant pledges in program history less than 12 months after Moore replaced Jim Harbaugh after the Wolverines claimed the 2023 national championship. If Underwood signs with the Wolverines on Dec. 4, he will be the first No. 1 overall recruit to join Michigan since the program inked defensive tackle Rashan Gary in 2016. Underwood also would join Gary and defensive backs Jabrill Peppers (2014 class) and Dax Hill (2019) as the only five-star prospects to land in Ann Arbor since 2006, per ESPN rankings. He will mark the Wolverines' highest-ranked quarterback pledge since Michigan landed quarterback Ryan Mallett (No. 12 overall prospect) in the class of 2007. Whether Underwood is prepared to take over as the starter in 2025, his commitment brings critical stability to the quarterback position in Ann Arbor as Moore closes a turbulent first season. Michigan has struggled to identify a replacement for national title-winning quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2024, bouncing between Davis Warren , Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle across a 5-5 start this fall. Warren and Orji hold eligibility beyond this season, as does former 2024 four-star quarterback prospect Jadyn Davis . Michigan also holds a commitment from four-star quarterback Brady Hart in the 2026 cycle. A composed passer with speed to test opposing defenses in the open field, Underwood has spent the past four years as one of the nation's most coveted prospects, ranked ahead of top quarterbacks Lewis (USC), Tavien St. Clair ( Ohio State ) and Keelon Russell ( Alabama ) in the 2025 ESPN 300. Underwood burst onto the national scene in 2021, when he threw for 2,888 yards and 39 touchdowns in his freshman season at Belleville. He led the Tigers to back-to-back state titles in his first two seasons under center, then earned Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a junior in 2023, when he completed 64.8% of his passes for 3,329 yards and 44 touchdowns while guiding Bellville to a third consecutive state title game appearance. With only one regular-season loss since September 2021, Underwood and Belleville entered the state playoffs this month as favorites to claim the program's third state championship in four years.At least 65 million tune in for Netflix NFL Christmas Day games. NBA holiday ratings also skyrocketClemson adds top 50 QB to '25 recruiting class

Richard Parsons, prominent Black executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76

By FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America’s dominance of the global financial system . The dollar represents roughly 58% of the world’s foreign exchange reserves, according to the IMF and major commodities like oil are still primarily bought and sold using dollars. The dollar’s dominance is threatened, however, with BRICS’ growing share of GDP and the alliance’s intent to trade in non-dollar currencies — a process known as de-dollarization. Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy.” At a summit of BRIC nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of “weaponizing” the dollar and described it as a “big mistake.” “It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” Putin said at the time. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.” Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is “no chance” BRIC will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen “should wave goodbye to America.” Research shows that the U.S. dollar’s role as the primary global reserve currency is not threatened in the near future. An Atlantic Council model that assesses the dollar’s place as the primary global reserve currency states the dollar is “secure in the near and medium term” and continues to dominate other currencies. Trump’s latest tariff threat comes after he threatened to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tax on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to do more to halt the flow of illegal immigration and drugs into the U.S. He has since held a call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said Thursday she is confident that a tariff war with the United States can be averted. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after meeting Trump, without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on Canada.President-elect Donald Trump called his meeting with Justin Trudeau productive and says the prime minister made a commitment to work with the United States to end the drug crisis amid the threat of stiff tariffs. Trudeau flew to Florida Friday evening to attend a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump’s transition team is based. The in-person meeting came at the end of a rocky week in which Trump threatened to impose stiff tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, unless the two countries stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the U.S. In a post on Truth Social, Trump says he and Trudeau discussed the drug crisis, particularly fentanyl, illegal immigration, as well as trade, energy and the Arctic. Trump’s post did not directly mention tariffs. Trudeau told reporters in West Palm Beach Saturday morning that he had an excellent conversation with Trump’s transition team. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30, 2024. The Canadian Press

Matt Gaetz , the former Florida representative who this week withdrew from consideration to be US attorney general under Donald Trump, said on Friday he would not seek to return to Congress . “I’m still going to be in the fight but it’s going to be from a new perch,” Gaetz told the rightwing podcaster and radio host Charlie Kirk. “I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.” Gaetz is a dedicated far-right controversialist and staunch Trump loyalist who last year played a key role in the removal of Republican Kevin McCarthy as House speaker, the first such move ever orchestrated by a speaker’s own party. Picked for attorney general during a plane ride with Trump, Gaetz was seen as likely to carry out the president-elect’s agenda of revenge on his political enemies and pardons for allies, including those convicted over the deadly 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol by supporters of Trump who sought in vain to overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. Gaetz swiftly resigned his US House seat, which he had held for nearly three full terms on Capitol Hill. His resignation pre-empted the release of a House ethics committee report into allegations of misconduct including allegedly paying for sex with a girl under the age of consent. Amid renewed controversy, Gaetz denied wrongdoing and pointed to a justice department decision to drop an investigation of the matter. Nonetheless, amid feverish speculation over the report and whether the confirmation would fail, Gaetz announced his withdrawal on Thursday. Debate followed about whether Gaetz could or would seek to return to the House when the new Congress is sworn in next year. Sign up to Headlines US Get the most important US headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion But on Friday Gaetz told Kirk: “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see north-west Florida go to new heights and have great representation. “I’m 42 now, and I’ve got other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue – my wife and my family – and so I’m going to be fighting for President Trump. I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”Liverpool comeback to beat Leicester and move seven points clear

President-elect Donald Trump called his meeting with Justin Trudeau productive and says the prime minister made a commitment to work with the United States to end the drug crisis amid the threat of stiff tariffs. Trudeau flew to Florida Friday evening to attend a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump's transition team is based. The in-person meeting came at the end of a rocky week in which Trump threatened to impose stiff tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, unless the two countries stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the U.S. In a post on Truth Social, Trump says he and Trudeau discussed the drug crisis, particularly fentanyl, illegal immigration, as well as trade, energy and the Arctic. Trump's post did not directly mention tariffs. Trudeau told reporters in West Palm Beach Saturday morning that he had an excellent conversation with Trump’s transition team. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30, 2024. The Canadian Press

Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta Target to Welcome More Than 16 Million International Holidaymakers, Expecting to Create 25.8 Million Tourism Industry JobsPrep football: Elia runs wild as Tug Valley advances to second-ever state semifinal

Cowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issue

Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. FOR THE SECOND TIME 🏆🏆 Luke Humphries retains his 2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals title, beating Luke Littler 11-7 in the final. pic.twitter.com/QUhxvSbGeu — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” HUMPHRIES GOES BACK-TO-BACK! 🏆 Luke Humphries retains his Players Championship Finals title! Cool Hand puts on an absolute clinic to defeat Luke Littler 11-7 in an epic final! 📺 https://t.co/AmuG0PMn18 #PCF2024 | Final pic.twitter.com/nZDWPUVjWE — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”