Luke Littler Defies Nine-Darter To Claim Poland Darts Open Title

World No. 1 Luke Littler delivered a masterclass in resilience and precision to win the inaugural Poland Darts Open, overcoming Dutch star Gian van Veen 8–4 in a thrilling final on Sunday.

The match featured a rare moment of perfection when Van Veen hit his first-ever televised nine-dart finish to take a 3–2 lead, stunning the crowd and briefly seizing control of the contest. But Littler, nicknamed ‘The Nuke,’ responded with ruthless efficiency, winning six of the next seven legs and averaging a remarkable 108.06 on his way to victory.

“It’s been a very good weekend for myself,” said Luke Littler, who won his fifth European Tour title.

“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.”

Van Veen’s nine-darter, completed with back-to-back 180s and a 141 checkout, might have been a turning point for many players. Instead, it sparked Littler into action. The 19-year-old regained control immediately, taking the next four legs to surge ahead 6–3 and leaving Van Veen chasing the match from then on. Despite a late fightback from the Dutchman, Littler closed out the final decisively in 28 darts.

He said: “I wish I missed that double 12! Of course I’m very happy to hit the nine-darter, but I think everyone noticed in the next two or three legs, I wasn’t good.

“I was so excited about the nine-darter – my first one on the stage – and that probably cost me the final today. 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.”

The Poland Darts Open marks Littler’s third consecutive opening European Tour victory of the season and his fifth European Tour title overall. He already boasts four major trophies in 2026, including wins at the PDC World Darts Championship, World Masters, and Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, cementing his status as the player to beat on the international stage.

Littler’s road to the final was equally impressive. He defeated Mike De Decker in dominant fashion, averaging 113.84 with a 100% checkout rate, then overcame Ross Smith, Josh Rock, and Chris Dobey to set up the climactic showdown with Van Veen.

For Van Veen, this was his third defeat in a European Tour final. Despite flashes of brilliance- including two ton-plus checkouts and the perfect nine-darter- he remains in search of his first European Tour title.

The European Tour continues with the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen on 13 March, where reigning champion Nathan Aspinall will defend his title. But for now, it is Littler who dominates the headlines, showcasing both his skill and mental fortitude on a spectacular day of darts in Krakow.

Also Read: How Much Did Luke Littler Earn With Belgian Open Title Win: Details

Littler’s performance not only secured him the £35,000 first prize but also reinforced his growing reputation as the world’s most formidable young darts talent.