Luke Littler continued his meteoric rise with a sensational Blåkläder Belgian Darts Open triumph on his European Tour debut in Wieze on Sunday.
Littler produced a string of sensational displays to scoop the £30,000 top prize at the Oktoberhallen, capped off with a magnificent deciding-leg victory over Rob Cross in Sunday’s showpiece.
The 17-year-old superstar also achieved perfection in a thrilling final against Cross, defying a 108 average from the 2018 World Champion to clinch his third PDC title of the season.
“I dug in, and I was just happy to get over the line,” revealed Littler, who now moves into the provisional qualification places for July’s Betfred World Matchplay.
“It's always good to be involved in a good game. Me and Rob always have great battles, and we bring the best out of each other.
“I was really glad to hit the nine-darter. I prefer the 144 to 141 to finish a nine because when the first treble 20 goes in I'm confident of following it with another.”
LITTLER HITS A NINE-DARTER! ☢️🔥
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 10, 2024
LUKE LITTLER HAS STRUCK PERFECTION IN THE FINAL!
It's yet more history from The Nuke as he pins a perfect leg in the final of his Euro Tour debut!
Starboy.
Watch the final 👉 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 pic.twitter.com/e6XLwUuuEZ
Littler landed nine-dart finishes on his way to claiming World Series and Players Championship titles on debut, and he continued that remarkable trend with victory in Belgium.
The Warrington wonderkid posted five ton-topping averages on his way to glory, defeating Jose de Sousa, Krzysztof Ratajski, Damon Heta, Jermaine Wattimena and Ricardo Pietreczko before edging out Cross.
Littler survived two match darts in his opening round win over De Sousa, before sweeping through to Sunday’s decider in comprehensive fashion, averaging 110 in his quarter-final demolition of Wattimena.
The World Youth Champion also became the first player to register 30 maximums in a European Tour event, crashing in six 180s during his epic 8-7 win against Cross.
“I know the spotlight is on me at the minute, but that's because I've done so well," continued Littler.
“I will just play my darts, focus on myself and do what I do.”
Cross also paid tribute to his Premier League rival Littler, despite falling agonisingly short in his bid for a second European Tour crown.
The 33-year-old continued his strong start to 2024 to pocket the £12,000 runner-up prize, overcoming Danny Noppert, Ryan Searle and Gerwyn Price for the loss of just six legs on Finals Day.
“I wanted a big display and I got a big display,” insisted Cross, who led 7-6 at one stage.
“I missed a few chances, but I can’t be too bitter about it. That nine-darter from Luke was amazing.
“This young man has got such a bright future in front of him. He is special!
“I have loved my weekend here, and now I’m looking forward to going back home and rebuilding ahead of next week.”
Cross’ focus will now switch to Night Seven of the Premier League in Nottingham on Thursday, when he faces World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall for a place in the last four.
Cross has won five of his six quarter-final ties in this year’s competition to date, and victory over Aspinall would set up a showdown against either Littler or league leader Michael van Gerwen.
“I’ve got so many positives to take from this weekend, but winning is everything,” admitted Cross, who occupies fourth spot in the Premier League table.
“When you’re playing well, you need to use it to your advantage, and Luke does that. Fair play to him.
“I will lick my wounds and hopefully I will get my revenge on Thursday!”