Tricole, the first Frenchman to play in the tournament last year when he lost in the second round to 2018 champion Rob Cross, admitted facing Humphries would be a tough prospect.

“He is the reigning world champion, world number one and last winner of a PDC tournament – the Players Championship Finals. There’s no one fitter than him,” he told BBC Sport.

“So it would be quite a challenge for me. If I manage to play him, I’d love to give it my all and make him doubt me. But maybe he wouldn’t be at his best. It’s hard to believe that I could beat him even if I played him, but I’d do everything I could to do so.”

While the rise to stardom of 17-year-old Littler – who has won 10 titles in his debut season as a professional – has been credited with helping a surge in darts’ popularity, Humphries has been pleased with his own year as world number one.

“It’s been amazing, it’s been very tiring. I’ve enjoyed it, I think I’ve done myself justice,” he said.

“I’ve been in six major finals, won the World Cup [with England], the World Matchplay and retained the Players Championship Finals – I can’t say it’s not been a success. I’m quite proud of the way I’ve handled myself.”