Luke Littler Defies Nine-Darter to Claim Poland Darts Open Title!
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has once again proved his dominance, winning the inaugural Poland Darts Open. He defeated Gian van Veen 8-4 in a captivating final, even after van Veen achieved the extraordinary feat of a nine-dart finish. Littler’s path to victory included impressive wins over Josh Rock and Chris Dobey, while van Veen also showcased his skill by eliminating top player Luke Humphries. This victory further solidifies Littler’s position as one of the world’s most formidable darts players.
Littler’s Dominant Journey to the Final
Luke Littler displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, often without needing to reach his absolute peak performance. His quarter-final match against Josh Rock was a clear demonstration of his control.
Quarter-Final: Luke Littler vs. Josh Rock (6-1)
Littler started strong, securing the first three legs in quick succession with scores of 15, 14, and 17 darts, including a crucial 72 checkout. Although Rock managed to pull one leg back in 13 darts, he then missed a critical 170 finish and conceded another break. This effectively sealed his fate, with Littler closing out the match convincingly with a 13-darter. Littler’s average for this match was 98.97, compared to Rock’s 95.16, highlighting his steady performance.
Semi-Final: Luke Littler vs. Chris Dobey (7-3)
After a brief pause in his dominant run, Littler faced a tougher challenge against Chris Dobey in the semi-finals. Despite some initial struggles, Littler ultimately prevailed with a 7-3 victory, boasting an average of nearly 106. The match saw both players exchange legs early on, with Dobey leveling the score with a 12-darter. However, Littler quickly regained control, breaking Dobey’s throw in 14 darts and consolidating with a 15-darter. He maintained and extended his lead, capitalizing on Dobey’s missed doubles. Littler capped off his semi-final performance with an impressive 11-darter to secure his spot in the final. His average was 105.91 against Dobey’s 93.73.
Gian van Veen’s Path to the Final
Gian van Veen also delivered a series of strong performances, notably including a stunning display in the quarter-finals and a hard-fought semi-final victory.
Quarter-Final: Gian van Veen vs. Wessel Nijman (6-2)
In an all-Dutch quarter-final, van Veen delivered his best performance of the tournament, achieving an outstanding average of over 107 points. He quickly established a 3-0 lead, holding his throw in 11 and 12 darts, and breaking with a magnificent 107 combination finish. Although Nijman managed to win two legs during a brief lapse from van Veen, including a 13-darter, van Veen quickly regained his stride, closing out the match with legs in 12, 15, and a final 12-darter sealed with a 130 finish. Van Veen’s exceptional 107.5 average underlined his dominant performance.
Semi-Final: Gian van Veen vs. Luke Humphries (7-5)
This semi-final was a high-class affair for much of its duration, eventually becoming a tense battle plagued by missed doubles from both players. Van Veen capitalized on two missed doubles from Humphries to break in 13 darts, but Humphries quickly leveled. The next two legs also went against the throw, leading to a 4-4 tie. Van Veen then hit a 130 checkout, and Humphries followed with a 76 finish to hold their respective throws. Humphries showed nerves by missing a double 11, allowing van Veen to take a 6-4 lead. However, van Veen then squandered eight match darts, giving Humphries a lifeline. Humphries managed to extend the match but then missed three opportunities himself to force a deciding leg. Ultimately, van Veen sealed the victory in 14 darts, securing his place in the final after a dramatic 7-5 win.
The Grand Final: Luke Littler vs. Gian van Veen (8-4)
The final promised excitement, and it delivered, featuring a rare nine-dart finish from Gian van Veen. However, it was Luke Littler who ultimately prevailed with an 8-4 victory, showcasing incredible resilience and focus after a demanding day of three matches.
- Even Start: The first four legs were evenly split, with van Veen checking out 112 and Littler hitting a 12-darter.
- The Nine-Darter: Van Veen then achieved the ultimate darts feat – a nine-darter! This perfect leg, completed with a conventional 141 finish, brought the house down and put him in a strong position.
- Missed Opportunity: Crucially, van Veen then missed a shot at tops for a 4-2 lead. This proved to be a turning point.
- Littler’s Comeback: Littler seized the opportunity, accepting the “gift” in the seventh leg. He then went on a run, hitting legs in 14, 14, and 12 darts.
- Van Veen’s Struggles: During this period, van Veen missed a 106 checkout to level the score at 4-4, allowing Littler to extend his lead.
- Final Push: While van Veen managed to check out 74, he again faltered on the doubles after Littler’s 13-darter. This proved costly.
- Littler Seals Victory: A final 15-darter secured the title for Littler, marking another significant achievement in his burgeoning career.
Littler finished the final with an astounding average of 108.06, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure, even against a player who had just thrown a nine-darter. Van Veen’s average was a commendable 96.11, but his missed doubles proved decisive.
Tournament Overview and Prize Money
The Poland Darts Open was a European Tour event, attracting top talent from around the world. A total of £230,000 was distributed among the players.
Prize Money Breakdown:
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-Finalists: £10,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Last 32: £3,500
- First Round: £2,000
It’s important to note that for the prize money to count towards the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit, pre-qualified players must win their opening match. If they lose their first game, they still receive the prize money, but it does not contribute to their rankings.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
