LETHAL LITTLER CLINCHES AUSTRALIAN DARTS MASTERS

LUKE LITTLER claimed his first World Series title of the year after beating Mike De Decker 8-4 in the final of the Australian Masters. 

‘The Nuke’ adds the crown to his World Matchplay and UK Open successes to continue a superb 2025 campaign. 

World No. 2 Littler rattled in a 143 checkout and then a 11-darter to take a 4-2 lead against De Decker. 

Teen sensation Littler missed SIX darts at double 16 to allow his Belgian rival to reduce the deficit to 6-4 in Wollongong. 

Six-times major winner Littler responded with a 12-darter and then pearled in double 16 for the victory. 

Littler revealed he was overjoyed to pick up the trophy at the WIN Entertainment Centre. 

He said: “It feels very good; it is another trophy I can tick off. 

“I played a lot better tonight than I did yesterday, and that is what really matters. 

“I knew if I won the first game, it would be a very long night, but I am very happy. 

“Mike had a really good run and will go over to New Zealand as well. 

“It wasn’t the best to have me in his way on his debut, but I am sure he will come back. 

“It’s not gone to plan this year in the World Series, but there are plenty of opportunities to win, and I finally picked up a title tonight.” 

World Grand Prix champ Mike De Decker admitted he was glad to prove people wrong who questioned his inclusion on the World Series by finishing runner up on debut.  

He added: “People were saying I didn’t deserve to be here so I am happy to get the runner-up trophy now. 

“I am just happy to get to the final. Luke needs to retire because it is not fun anymore! 

“But I am glad I showed I am still able to play my A-game.  

“There has been a lot of ups and downs for myself this year so reaching the final is a big confidence boost.”

Warrington thrower Littler took out a 170 checkout and thumped in four maximums on the way to defeating Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semi-finals. 

Littler averaged a stellar 102.84 to secure a 6-3 triumph over home favourite Damon Heta in the last eight.

The 18-year-old had previously won World Series events in Bahrain, Poland and the Netherlands in 2024.

Reigning World Champ Littler will now look to add another to his CV in Auckland, New Zealand next weekend ahead of the tournament finals in Amsterdam in September.

Images by Taylor Lanning.