Luke Littler’s nine-dart finish heroics sparks amazing reaction from opponent on way to Players’ Championship victory

10 months ago 75

LUKE LITTLER’S nine-darter exploits even had an opponent cheering as he won the Players’ Championship.

Littler beat Ryan Searle 8-7 in a nail-biting finish on Monday night.

He became just the third player after Phil Taylor and Wayne Mardle to win the tournament on his Pro Tour debut.

But it was Littler’s antics earlier in the night that left opponents and fans stunned.

First, he put on an incredible show against Michele Turetta in the last 32, winning the game with a nine-dart finish.

And Littler almost repeated the check-out in his next match against Cameron Menzies.

Going 4-0 up in legs, Littler then embarked on an incredible run as he hit eight darts in a row.

Even Menzies could not believe what he was seeing, raising his arms in excitement at the prospect of another nine-darter.

However, Littler missed the double 12 and failed to complete a second stunning finish.

But fans were blown away by Menzies’ reaction during the match.

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One said: “This is just ridiculous.”

Another declared: “Actually unbelievable, nice from Menzies though, class.”

One noted: “Best in the world.”

Another added: “Talent like that is a true blessing.”

Unfortunately for Menzies, he ended up losing the match 6-2.

Littler then defeated Alan Soutar in his next game before taking on Searle.

The teen, who averaged 110 in the final game, was 6-4 up before his opponent battled back to 7-7.

But a double 20 finish saw Littler bag the latest trophy of his incredible career.

Littler – who became a full-time player only after his epic run to the World Darts final – impressively won SEVEN games within the space of five hours.

His target is to qualify for the top 16 on the world ranking and book a spot in the World Matchplay in Blackpool in July and World Grand Prix in October.

Littler, who plays again today in Players Championship No 2 in Wigan, said: “Me and my manager know what I have to do for me to qualify.

“And after the first event, we’re not far off!

“I know I’ve got about 13 or 14 ProTours before the Matchplay and it’s always good to get off to a good start.

“I want to try and qualify for everything. That’s what I have to do.

“I’m used to playing in these ‘little boxes’ on the Development Tour. I know my game is there, I know I can beat anyone. I am happy I have won.

“I don’t say anything, I don’t look at anything. If my darts go in, they do. If they don’t go in, well they don’t. The darts do the talking.”