“That’s when I felt like no one could beat me”: Luke Littler’s nine-dart finish boost en route to 115 average New Zealand Darts Masters win in Auckland
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation and PDC World Champion, delivered a historic performance at the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, clinching the title with an electrifying 115 average and a nine-dart finish in his 8-4 victory over Luke Humphries in the final on August 16, 2025. The nine-darter, achieved in the quarterfinals against Mike De Decker, was a pivotal moment, with Littler later stating, “That’s when I felt like no one could beat me” (@OfficialPDC, August 16, 2025). The feat, described as “mesmerising” by the PDC, marked his second competitive nine-darter and propelled him to a commanding Down Under double, following his Australian Darts Masters win.
Littler’s path to the title began with a 6-4 win over local wildcard Mark Cleaver, despite ending his 222-match 180 streak, which he took in stride, saying, “I didn’t even know [it ended]. I’m just glad to get it over and done with” (www.sportbible.com). In the quarterfinals, he unleashed the nine-darter—triple 20s, triple 19s, and a bullseye finish—igniting the SkyCity crowd and boosting his confidence (@livedarts, August 16, 2025). He then outclassed De Decker and faced Humphries, the defending champion, in the final. Littler’s 115 average, coupled with a stunning 170 checkout, overwhelmed Humphries, who averaged 103 but couldn’t match the teenager’s precision (www.nzherald.co.nz).
The nine-darter, a rare feat in darts, was Littler’s first since his Bahrain Masters triumph in January 2024, and it set the tone for his dominance. “After that nine-darter, I just felt untouchable,” Littler told DartStream LIVE. “It’s a moment where you know you’re in the zone” (www.sportbible.com). His girlfriend, Faith Millar, present throughout his Antipodean campaign, was hailed as his “good luck charm” by fans on X, with one post stating, “Luke Littler’s nine-darter and 115 average with Faith by his side? Unstoppable!” (@Darts180News, August 16, 2025).
Littler’s strategic focus, akin to Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin’s preparation for the Davis Cup, underscores his ability to seize high-stakes moments. His decision to skip the PDC World Youth Championship reflects a similar prioritization of major titles. The New Zealand win, adding £20,000 to his £1.1 million career earnings, solidifies his world No. 2 ranking as he heads to the US Open Darts Masters (www.pdc.tv). Littler’s performance, blending raw talent and mental clarity, cements his status as darts’ brightest star.
