Littler breezes to first UK Open title
Luke Littler won his first title since lifting the World Darts Championship in January as he cantered to UK Open glory.
The world number two was barely tested on the final day of the Festival of Darts at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, winning the final 11-2 against James Wade.
It’s the first time The Nuke has lifted the trophy at the event in his already glittering career, making him the fourth first time winner of the tournament in a row.
Littler barely breaks sweat en route to glory
After coming through battles against Peter Wright on Friday and Krzysztof Ratajski on Saturday, The Nuke was battle tested ahead of the final day. However, he didn’t need to be, as he hit averages in excess of 100 in all three matches.
He defeated Gian van Veen 10-4 in the quarter finals in the afternoon with a 107.3 average, before coming back from 4-3 down to beat Jonny Clayton 11-6 in the semi finals, where he hit 10 180s and averaged 106.62. Clayton made the last four by defeating Michael Smith 10-8.
He met Wade in the showpiece game at Butlin’s, after the former three time champion sent world number one Luke Humphries home in the quarter finals, coming through a last leg decider. It was a more comfortable experience in the semi final, as he beat Josh Rock 11-2 with an average of just shy of ton. Rock made his maiden PDC senior semi final by winning 10-7 against Nathan Aspinall.

In the final, it was essentially a repeat of what had happened for much of the day. Littler laid down the marker in the first session, whitewashing The Machine 5-0 with an average of 102.85, as Wade missed seven attempts to get a leg on the board.
It took the three time former winner until leg 10 to trouble the scorers, but not before The Nuke won another four legs, taking a 9-1 lead into the second interval.
Both held to start the third session, but despite missing two darts to win it, Littler hit double six to complete the rout and lift the trophy to a raucous reception from the Minehead fans, with an average of 101.51.

UK Open Final Result
Luke Littler 11-2 James Wade
UK Open Semi Final Results
Luke Littler 11-6 Jonny Clayton
James Wade 11-9 Josh Rock
UK Open Quarter Final Results
Luke Littler 10-4 Gian van Veen
Josh Rock 10-7 Nathan Aspinall
Jonny Clayton 10-8 Nathan Aspinall
James Wade 10-9 Luke Humphries