In a thrilling Last 32 clash at the UK Open in Minehead, reigning champion and world number one Luke Littler narrowly escaped an upset, defeating a sensational Kevin Doets 10-8. Despite Doets boasting a higher average, the Dutch challenger couldn’t convert crucial opportunities, allowing Littler to secure his place in the next round after a true test of nerve and skill.
The UK Open witnessed a gripping encounter as Dutch darts talent Kevin Doets stepped up to face the formidable Luke Littler, the reigning champion, two-time world champion, and current world number one. Doets arrived at the last 32 stage with confidence, having secured impressive victories over Ricardo Pietreczko (6-4) and Jeffrey de Graaf (10-5) on Friday. Littler, meanwhile, had cruised past Damon Heta with a dominant 10-3 win.
A Fiery Start: Doets Takes the Initiative
From the outset, Doets displayed an unwavering determination to showcase his best game. He confidently held his opening leg in just 14 darts, then immediately followed up with a brilliant 11-darter to break Littler’s throw. The crowd was on its feet, sensing a potential upset. In the third leg, Doets stood on double 14 after just 12 darts, poised to extend his lead significantly. However, a crucial miss opened the door for Littler.
Littler’s Clinical Response
The reigning champion, known for his composure under pressure, seized the opportunity with a stunning 160-finish, instantly breaking back and leveling the match. Littler then held his own throw with a 13-darter, bringing the score to 2-2.
As the first session neared its close, Doets had another chance to take a lead into the break, missing six darts at a double. Littler capitalized once more, hitting double 1 in 19 darts to snatch a vital break and head into the interval with a narrow 3-2 advantage.
A Battle of Nerves: Trading Blows
Doets quickly recovered from the disappointment, breaking back immediately with a 17-darter to make it 3-3. But the parity was short-lived as Littler responded with a 68-finish, securing his third consecutive break. This time, the world number one consolidated his break with a 17-darter, extending his lead to 5-3. Doets, refusing to yield, held his next leg with a 15-darter.
Before the next break, Doets had 18 darts to break Littler and level the score at 5-5 but couldn’t find a shot at a double. Littler, with a 21-darter, ensured he went into the second interval with a 6-4 lead.
Doets’ Valiant Comeback and the Tense Finale
After the break, both players held their throws, moving the score to 7-5 in Littler’s favor. Doets then missed a 105-finish on double 16, a moment Littler ruthlessly exploited by hitting double 5 to break again, pushing his lead to 8-5. Many might have expected Littler to run away with it, but Doets had other plans.
The Dutch challenger showed incredible resilience, firing in two consecutive 14-darters to claw his way back to 8-7. The following leg was pivotal, with both players under 100 after nine darts. It was Littler, who had started the leg, who held his nerve with a 96-finish to reach match point at 9-7.
Still, Doets refused to surrender. In a dazzling display, he hit back-to-back 180s to produce a sensational 12-darter, bringing the score to 9-8 and putting immense pressure on the reigning champion. Littler now stepped up to throw for the match. Doets had a final opportunity to force a deciding leg, standing on a 91-finish, but couldn’t get a dart at the double. Littler, composed as ever, calmly hit tops to seal a hard-fought 10-8 victory.
Match Statistics: A Closer Look
The statistics reveal just how close and high-quality this encounter truly was:
- Kevin Doets: Average 97.22 / Double Percentage 27.6%
- Luke Littler: Average 93.68 / Double Percentage 34.5%
Remarkably, Kevin Doets finished the match with a higher average than Luke Littler, underscoring his exceptional scoring power. However, Littler’s superior double percentage at crucial moments ultimately proved to be the decisive factor, allowing him to convert his chances and progress in the tournament. Doets’ performance, though ending in defeat, firmly established him as a serious contender capable of challenging the sport’s elite.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
