Littler claims 30th PDC title on European Tour return at Czech Open

LUKE LITTLER declared he is “back with a bang” after winning his 30th PDC title.

The world No1 beat Luke Humphries 8-6 in the Czech Darts Open final to claim the £30,000 top prize in Prague.

Littler, 19, averaged 95.25 to fend off a spirited late fightback from Humphries, who trailed 7-4 before missing darts at double to force a deciding leg.

It was also the perfect way to mark his return to the European Tour after a six-month absence.

He said: “It was a good game. Like Luke said, it’s been a long day playing in the afternoon and waiting around for tonight.

“We tried our best. Maybe it could have gone all the way, but I didn't want it to.

“It’s been a long summer, but the fans, this is what we're here for - me and Luke are back.

“It’s what the crowd deserved, the two best in the world going at it in the final once again.

“I’m glad I've won, it’s good to be back and I’m back with a bang.

“The [rust] has definitely gone. I am just happy to be back on stage in front of fans back playing.

“I played the ProTours in Leicester which are never fun win or lose. But these long days are worth it.”

The Nuke was then asked whether he would feature in any of the remaining three European Tour events this season.

He replied: “Not sure now that I have won this one. I think I have secured my place in Dortmund.

“Dortmund is the one I am chasing. We will have to see what happens. What the plan is and how busy I am.”

Humphries was delighted with his showing after battling a shoulder injury but knows he must find another level if he is to stop Littler from dominating the sport.

He added: “I was going to pull out Thursday and I made the final so I can’t be too upset because I had a really good run.

“He’s a fantastic player. I’ve been playing here and there not so great. Maybe good sometimes.

“So, I’ve got to dedicate my life a bit more to get better and keep pushing him.

“I’m not beating him in finals so I have to change things to keep matching him.

“If he does the clean sweep he has to do it the hard way.”

Littler averaged a whopping 106.84 to thrash Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the semi-final after earlier dispatching Danny Noppert 6-0 in the last eight.

Words: Aaron Nijjar