Darts fans, brace yourselves for a tale of precision, poise, and pure darting prowess! The Belgian Darts Open has witnessed a spectacle that will be etched in the annals of darts history, thanks to the sensational teenager Luke Littler. The 17-year-old darting dynamo, affectionately dubbed “The Nuke,” has done it again, hitting his third nine-darter of the year in the high-stakes final against Rob Cross, securing a nail-biting 8-7 victory and his third professional tournament win.
Littler’s journey to the Belgian Darts Open title was nothing short of a darting odyssey. After a whirlwind few months that saw him break records and reach the final of the World Darts Championship, Littler continued his meteoric rise in the sport. His Belgian campaign kicked off with a heart-stopping 6-5 win over Jose de Souza, followed by a confident 6-3 victory against Krzysztof Ratajski, who tried to rattle “The Nuke” with some water bottle shenanigans. Unfazed, Littler marched on, exacting sweet revenge on Damon Heta and dispatching Jermaine Wattimena with a scorching 110 average.
The semi-final saw Littler face off against Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko, where he triumphed with an impressive 104 average. But the real drama unfolded in the final against Cross. The 2018 world champion was no easy adversary, having defeated Littler in their last Premier League encounter. Yet, in a match where the lead changed hands seven times, Littler’s nine-darter was the pivotal moment that swung the momentum in his favor.
The crowd at the Oktoberhallen in Wieze erupted as Littler threw nine perfect arrows to take a 6-5 lead. The tension was palpable as Cross fought back, but Littler’s resolve was unbreakable. He stormed back to take the match to a decider and clinched victory with a double five. This win not only adds to his growing list of accolades but also cements his status as a generational talent in the darts world.
Littler’s nine-darter was a moment of sheer brilliance, a perfect leg that showcased his exceptional skill and composure under pressure. It’s a feat that has become a hallmark of his young but already illustrious career, having also hit nine-darters at the Bahrain Darts Masters and his debut Players Championship event.
But it’s not just about the nine-darters. Littler’s overall performance in the Belgian Darts Open was a masterclass in darting excellence. With an average of over 100 in five of his six matches and a record number of 180s for a European Tour event, Littler has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with on the oche.
Despite his success, Littler’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. He faced stinging criticism from Pietreczko, who branded him “arrogant” after their semi-final clash. Littler’s response was measured and mature, focusing on his game and letting his darts do the talking.
Littler continues to make an impact in the darts world, staying humble and crediting his achievements to dedication and passion for the sport. His win in Wieze is more than just a personal success, it showcases the promising future of darts. With his name now etched on the Belgian Darts Open trophy, Luke Littler has proven that he’s not just a wonder boy; he’s a wonder champion.
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