LITTLER KNOCKED OUT OF BELGIUM DARTS OPEN

By Phil Lanning

LUKE LITTLER’S 12-match winning streak in Wieze was ended by Niels Zonneveld.

The World No.1 had never lost a game on that stage after two previous Belgian Open title victories.

But Littler, who admits he hates afternoon matches, was caught cold by ‘Triple Z’ in an epic contest which the Dutchman clinched with a brilliant 147 finish.

All seemed to be going to plan as ‘The Nuke’ led 3-1 but Zonneveld produced a wonderful 106 kill to go 5-4 in front.

However he then missed two match darts and Littler incredibly saved himself with a blockbuster 136. But Zonneveld saved his best to last with a cool 147 to move into the quarter-finals.

It ended Littler’s excellent run in Wieze having won both over the previous two years, despite a strong 103 average.

Zonneveld said: “I know of course that Luke Littler is a world class player at this moment.

“I thought before the match, just play your own game. Just play what you can.

“It’s more difficult than I thought before the match. When you can win the match you are thinking about it. It was really hard.

“At the end I took a brilliant finish to end it. Such a relief.

“I thought this is the chance to win the match. Let’s do it. It went in.

“In the last leg I think I showed some really good nerves there. So happy.”