Luke Littler has won the Poland Darts Open, defeating Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final despite a nine-dart finish from his opponent. The world champion averaged just over 108 and hit seven 180s to secure the £35,000 first prize, becoming the inaugural champion at the first European Tour event held in Poland.
Van Veen, who also lost to Littler in the World Championship final, hit his first ever televised nine-darter in the fifth leg to take a 3-2 lead, but Littler responded by winning the next four legs for a 6-3 advantage. After Van Veen clawed one back, Littler sealed the 8-4 victory by taking the final two legs in just 28 darts. "It's been a very good weekend for myself," said 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."
On Sunday, Littler beat Ross Smith 6-2, Josh Rock 6-1, and Chris Dobey 7-3 to reach the final, while Van Veen progressed with wins over Nathan Aspinall 6-5, Wessel Nijman 6-2, and world number two Luke Humphries 7-5. Other notable results included Chris Dobey's 6-2 quarter-final win over Michael Smith and Luke Humphries' 6-1 victory against Stephen Bunting. The European Tour continues with the European Darts Trophy on 13 March in Gottingen, where Aspinall will bid to retain his crown.
