Luke Littler wins Belgian Open on European Tour debut after hitting nine-darter
Luke Littler has been crowned the Belgian Open champion after beating Rob Cross 8-7 in an epic final.
The 17-year-old hit a sensational nine-darter on the way to victory on his maiden appearance on the European Tour. Littler and Cross's face-off was a stunning affair that had seen both players put together stunning averages.
Littler kicked off the tie by claiming the first leg before Cross broke to take the following two. He then made it a hattrick of leg victories by checking out with double tops.
Littler then roared back by winning the following three legs to reclaim the lead in the game. Momentum continued to swing throughout, with Cross winning on throw and then breaking Littler for 5-4.
But the youngster was let off the hook the following leg as his opponent missed three attempts at double eight, leaving the door open. With the scores level at 5-5, Littler then produced a sensational piece of skill with a nine-darter to go ahead once again.
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Cross was not up for letting his opponent get away as he provided his own 11-darter and then broke Littler's throw to make it 7-6. With the opportunity for victory in front of him, Cross failed to check-out 100 which saw Littler level matters again.
Into the final leg, Littler did just enough to keep Cross at bay and claim his first crown on the European Tour. Speaking after lifting the trophy, Littler said: “I hit the nine and then lost the next two legs. I dug in but I just was happy to get over the line. It’s always good to be involved in a good game. I know the spotlight is on me because I’ve done so well.”
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His victory is just the latest chapter in what has been a stunning breakout year. Littler reached the final of the 2024 PDC World Championships at the Alexandra Palace, only to be beaten by Luke Humphries. He then bounced back to win the Bahrain Masters against Michael van Gerwen and also reached the final of the Dutch Masters - Van Gerwen eventually getting his revenge.
The Warrington-born wonderkid has also enjoyed a promising start to life in the Premier League. He sits third after six weeks but is yet to win an event.
Away from his success in Belgium, his run was however marred by a few bizarre clashes. During his third round tie against Krzysztof Ratajski, he accused the Pole of attempting to put him off by drinking from his water bottle.
Littler was then at the heart of a tense exchange with semi-final opponent Ricardo Pietreczko - known as Pikachu. The pair had a tense conversation after Littler's win before the German exited the stage.
Taking to Instagram in the aftermath, Pietreczko 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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