Luke Littler silences charge of home hero Mike de Decker, completes Belgian Darts Open title defence with ease

Luke Littler’s relentless pursuit of titles continued as he secured the first European Tour victory of the season, overcoming local favorite Mike De Decker 8-5 at the Belgian Darts Open in Wieze.

Littler, who triumphed in his inaugural European Tour event last year, returned to defend his title, adding to his impressive tally of wins that already includes the World Championship and the UK Open this year. Currently, there appears to be no force capable of halting the young darts sensation.

“The Nuke” delivered a 102 average, leaving De Decker struggling to find an answer to the eighteen-year-old’s exceptional performance, as Littler claimed his third European Tour title and successfully defended an event for the first time.

In the early stages, Littler strategically held back from a 105 checkout, while De Decker trailed significantly. Littler took a 1-0 lead. De Decker responded with a maximum score and a 134, setting up a 36 checkout after twelve darts. He missed the bullseye for a 124 break, and Littler, needing 129, followed with a double-double attempt. De Decker failed to capitalize, allowing Littler to secure a 2-1 lead. Littler then pinned double 10 for a break of throw at 3-1.

A crucial 67 checkout allowed De Decker to break back, reducing the deficit to 3-2. A 164 using the bullseye put Littler in a position to break again, leaving 145. He hit double 20 for 4-2, marking three consecutive breaks. A 116 checkout saw De Decker break once more, setting him up to level the score. However, another leg resulted in another break, as De Decker struggled to maintain his throw. Littler finally held, hitting double six, and extended his lead to 7-3, before breaking again.

He was throwing for the title. He left 170 for the title but couldn’t get the second treble. De Decker had a chance at 36 and finally hit double nine for 7-4 down.

De Decker hit two 180s in a leg, leaving 41 as he aimed to hold, which he secured on double eight for 7-5. He then had two darts at 170, but instead hit 130, leaving double 20, which Littler then sealed for the win.

Mike De Decker VS Luke Littler: Average (3 Darts) 92.25 vs 102.87; 100+ Thrown 11 vs 14; 140+ Thrown 5 vs 7; 180 Thrown 6 vs 6; Highest Checkout 116 vs 145; Checkout 100+ 0 vs 1; Checkout Percentage 38.5% vs 53.3%; Checkout 8/15 vs 8/13.

Littler’s path to the title was not without its challenges. He began with a hard-fought 6-3 victory over Ryan Searle, followed by 6-4 wins against Luke Woodhouse and Dave Chisnall. Although his opponents had opportunities, Littler’s consistent improvement in average proved too strong.

Against James Wade, Littler maintained a high average of 103.50, compared to Wade’s 92.64, securing a comfortable 7-3 victory. Littler’s statistics against Wade: Average (3 Darts) 103.5 vs 92.64; 100+ Thrown 8 vs 1; 140+ Thrown 18 vs 6; 180 Thrown 5 vs 7; Highest Checkout 154 vs 118; Checkout 100+ 1 vs 0; Checkout Percentage 43.8% vs 42.9%; Checkout 7/16 vs 3/7.

De Decker, like many others, seemed to be searching for an answer to Littler’s phenomenal play, even on his home turf. Following his UK Open victory, Littler has now commenced the European Tour season with yet another title.