Luke Littler coasts to Australian Darts Masters title

Luke Littler secured his first World Series title of 2025 at the Australian Darts Masters with an 8-4 victory over Mike De Decker in Wollongong on Saturday.

Littler arrived in Australia fresh from lifting the World Matchplay title a fortnight ago, and the World Champion maintained his winning run to triumph at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

The world number two survived a major scare in his opening round tie on Friday, edging out New Zealand’s number one Haupai Puha in a last-leg decider.

However, normal service was resumed on Saturday as Littler overcame Damon Heta, Stephen Bunting and De Decker to secure his fourth World Series silverware.

“It feels great,” reflected Littler. “I didn’t play that well last night, but I played very well tonight when it really mattered.

“Obviously it hadn’t gone to plan on the World Series circuit this year, but there’s plenty of opportunities to win and I’ve finally picked up that trophy tonight.

“I can’t wait for Auckland now. We’ll have a few days off, and then it’s off to New Zealand we go!”

Littler recorded a 6-3 success against Australian number one Heta in the quarter-finals, reeling off three straight legs to prevail with a 102 average.

The 18-year-old also made a sprint for the finish in his semi-final showdown against Stephen Bunting, producing a crucial 121 checkout in the penultimate leg of a 7-4 victory.

De Decker defied a strong start from Littler to level at two apiece in the final, but the teenage sensation regained control with two magnificent legs.

Littler followed up a clinical 143 checkout with an 11-darter to lead 4-2, although De Decker remained in touch to reduce the deficit to 6-4.

However, Littler responded with a brilliant 12-dart hold to move to the brink of victory at 7-4, before rounding off a 14-dart break to cap off a dominant campaign Down Under.

Despite missing out on the title, De Decker impressed on his World Series debut, defeating Luke Humphries and Chris Dobey on Saturday.

The World Grand Prix champion averaged 103 to whitewash an out of sorts Humphries in the quarter-finals, producing a stunning 167 checkout along the way.

The Belgian number one then powered past Dobey in the semi-finals, reeling off four consecutive legs from 4-3 down to complete an impressive comeback.

“I’m happy to get to the final, and I showed I’m still able to play my A-game,” said De Decker.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs this year, so reaching the final this weekend is a big confidence boost.”

Dobey also broke new ground in Wollongong, winning through a high-quality tie against reigning champion Price to progress to his first World Series semi-final.

The evening’s other quarter-final clash saw Bunting whitewash Northern Ireland’s World Cup champion Josh Rock – who had averaged 108 in Friday’s first round.

Bunting also averaged 102 in defeat against Littler, although the world number four remains top of the World Series rankings heading into next week’s event in Auckland.

Australian Darts Masters 2025 Day Two Results

Saturday August 9

Quarter-Finals
Stephen Bunting 6-0 Josh Rock
Luke Littler 6-3 Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price 4-6 Chris Dobey
Luke Humphries 0-6 Mike De Decker

Semi-Finals
Stephen Bunting 4-7 Luke Littler
Chris Dobey 4-7 Mike De Decker

Final
Luke Littler 8-4 Mike De Decker