Littler Claims Australian Darts Masters Title with Win over De Decker

Eighteen-year-old Luke Littler clinched the Australian Darts Masters crown in Wollongong on Saturday, defeating Belgium’s Mike de Decker 8-4 in the final, Sport360NG reports.

The reigning world champion booked his spot in the title match after a 6-3 victory over Australia’s Damon Heta in the quarter-finals and a 7-4 triumph against world number five Stephen Bunting in the semis.

De Decker, competing in the World Series for the first time, stunned top-ranked Luke Humphries – who was under the weather – with a 6-0 quarter-final win before overcoming Chris Dobey 7-4. In the final, the World Grand Prix champion battled back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2, but Littler pulled clear by winning six of the next eight legs to seal the trophy.

“It felt very good,” Littler told ITV Sport. “I knew if I got past Damon [Heta] it would be a long night, so I’m delighted to come through.”

The triumph was a measure of redemption for Littler, who lost last year’s final to Gerwyn Price 8-1. It also ended a frustrating run in this year’s World Series, where he had struggled to make an impact.

“It hasn’t gone to plan so far this year in the series, but there are still plenty of events left, I’m glad I could get this one over the line tonight,” he said.

Arriving in Australia fresh from his World Matchplay success in Blackpool, Littler survived a scare in his opening match, edging Haupai Puha 6-5 in a final-leg decider.

The tour now heads to Auckland for next weekend’s New Zealand Darts Masters.