Luke Littler’s winning streak ends at Belgian Darts Open
Luke Littler’s remarkable winning streak at the Belgian Darts Open has come to a stunning end, as the 19-year-old world champion crashed out in the third round this afternoon, falling 6-5 to Niels Zonneveld in what can only be described as a massive upset, reports BritPanorama.
This elimination marks the first time anyone has beaten Littler at the Wieze venue, where he had been dominant with 12 consecutive victories. The Warrington teenager was in pursuit of an incredible third successive title at the event, having successfully triumphed in both 2024 and 2025.
Instead, it is the 27-year-old Dutchman, ranked 39th in the world, who advances to face the winner of the match between Danny Noppert and Ryan Searle. Littler started the match strong, racing into a 3-1 advantage after the opening exchanges, which had initially gone against the throw.
However, Zonneveld demonstrated resilience, clawing his way back and taking the lead for the first time at 4-3. The match reached a dramatic climax in the tenth leg when the Dutchman squandered three match darts, inadvertently providing Littler with a lifeline that he seized with a brilliant 136 checkout to force a deciding leg.
In the final moments, Zonneveld delivered the knockout blow with a sensational 147 finish, concluding Littler’s campaign in dramatic fashion. This defeat signifies Littler’s first loss in a ranking event since October, halting an impressive run of form.
Before his exit, Littler noted, “I love it here. My first European Tour event was here. I want to win it again, and performances like that will put me up there.” He arrived in Belgium buoyed by a remarkable comeback in the Premier League in Dublin, where he overcame a 5-0 deficit to defeat Gerwyn Price 6-5.
Meanwhile, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Jonny Clayton all progressed to the quarter-finals later on Sunday.
As the tournament continues, Littler’s unexpected exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sport, where even the most dominant figures can succumb to the pressure and skill of their challengers. The darts world will certainly be watching how Zonneveld capitalises on this resounding victory.
