10 March 2024 , 21:54
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Belgian Darts Open champion Luke Littler was labelled arrogant after a furious showdown with semi-final opponent Ricardo Pietreczko.
The two came together during the last four in Wieze. Littler secured a stunning 7-3 success to book a final spot on his European Tour debut, where he came up against Rob Cross.
Following his match-winning dart, there was a tense exchange between the 17-year-old and Pietreczko - known as Pikachu. After claiming the win, Littler went to shake his opponent's hand.
Before he could do that, the German got in his face and kicked off a tense conversation. He then quickly exited the arena, briefly acknowledging the crowd as he exited the stage.
Pietreczko did not reveal what he had said to Littler but took to Instagram with a scathing message. Writing on his Instagram story, he wrote: “I really appreciate the fact that he can play a game like that at such an age. But I hope his arrogance punishes him.”
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Ahead of returning to the Oche against Cross, Littler took to social media with his take on the exchange. He revealed: “No idea what I did wrong, no idea what he said. He said something then don’t do it again.”
It appears that Pietreczko’s protests centred around Littler’s board management during their game. Littler attempted a number of difficult checkouts throughout the clash.
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He attempted a treble 19, double 20 and a bullseye for a 147 checkout, before a Harrington route for a 125, something that had wrangled with Pietreczko. The clash was not the only bizarre exchange that Littler endured during his run to the Belgian Open final.
He was also left annoyed by third round opponent Krzysztof Ratajski on Saturday evening. The Pole drank from Littler’s water bottle during their showdown, a move that he thought was an attempt to put him off.
Speaking after the game, Littler said: “I saw him drink a bit of my water. I saw him do it again so I just put it on the floor. Trying to get to me. If he is then fair enough, I'm just glad to get the win.”
Littler then continued his complaints on social media. Sharing a screenshot of the incident, he wrote: “0-0 drinks my water? 1-2 drinks my water? hmm... goodnight see you all in the morning.”
Fortunately for Littler, his brief skirmishes did no damage to his chances of winning the Belgian Open. He overcame Cross in the final 8-7 and netted a stunning nine-darter in the 11th leg to edge towards victory.
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