Luke Littler overcame a sensational nine-darter from Gian van Veen to claim the inaugural SUPERBET Poland Darts Open title in Kraków.
In a repeat of last month’s World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, Littler produced another commanding display to secure the £35,000 top prize at the PDC’s first European Tour event in Poland.
Van Veen made a blistering start to the final, landing a 112 checkout before producing perfection in leg five — following two 180s with a clinical 141 finish to complete his first televised nine-darter at EXPO Kraków.
However, the world number one responded emphatically, breaking immediately before reeling off legs of 14, 14 and 12 darts to surge 6-3 ahead. After Van Veen reduced the deficit to 6-4, Littler closed out an 8-4 victory with a superb 108.06 average.
“It’s been a very good weekend for myself,” reflected Littler.
“I felt really good throughout the tournament. In the first three weeks of the Premier League I’ve not felt the best, so I definitely needed this one.
“I wanted to come here and win the title and that’s what I’ve done. Most importantly it was about playing well, getting that average up and hitting my doubles.
“My first game against Mike De Decker was incredible, and I’m very happy and very confident now going into Belfast on Thursday.”
Littler had earlier averaged 113.84 in a dominant win over Mike De Decker, before defeating Ross Smith, Josh Rock and Chris Dobey.
Van Veen admitted afterwards: “I wish I missed that double 12!”
“Fair play to Luke. As he said, that spurred him on. That’s how he reads the game, and that’s why he is world number one.”
Source: PDC.TV
