Luke Littler Beats Luke Humphries To Claim Czech Darts Open Crown

Luke Littler marked his long-awaited return to the European Tour in sensational fashion, defeating reigning champion Luke Humphries 8-6 to lift the 2026 ČEZ Czech Darts Open title in Prague on Sunday.

The world number one held his nerve in a thrilling finale against his closest rival to claim his sixth European Tour title, denying Humphries a record-extending fourth Czech Darts Open crown in the process.

Littler was competing in his first European Tour event since March’s Belgian Darts Open, but showed little sign of ring rust as he powered his way through a stacked field at the PVA Expo.

The 19-year-old began his campaign in devastating fashion on Saturday, averaging almost 109 in a 6-4 victory over Niko Springer in a repeat of their World Matchplay meeting from July.

A hard-fought 6-3 win over Krzysztof Ratajski followed before Littler produced another statement performance, whitewashing Danny Noppert to reach the quarter-finals.

The teenager then averaged an impressive 106.64 to dismantle three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the last four, setting up the final everyone wanted.

Standing in his way was Humphries, his World Cup partner and the reigning Czech Darts Open champion, who was chasing a third consecutive title in Prague.

The opening exchanges failed to produce the fireworks many expected, although Humphries edged in front at 3-2 after consecutive checkouts of 110, 88 and 92.

Littler responded when it mattered most.

After Humphries landed an 11-dart break in the seventh leg, Littler immediately hit back with back-to-back 12-darters to seize control of the contest.

The second of those legs was capped by a spectacular 130 checkout on the bull, and Littler soon extended his advantage to 7-4 as he moved within one leg of the title.

Humphries refused to surrender.

The world number two produced another 11-darter to cut the deficit, but his hopes of forcing a deciding leg disappeared when he missed two darts at double 16.

Littler made no mistake.

He stepped up and pinned double 10 to complete an 8-6 victory and add another European Tour title to his rapidly growing collection.

“It was a good game,” reflected Littler, who also secured his place at next month’s European Championship in Dortmund.

“This is what the fans are in for – me and Luke are back!

“The two best [players] going at it in a final once again. I’m glad I’ve won.

“It’s good to be back and I’m back with a bang!

“These long days are worth it, especially lifting the trophy.

“I think I’ve secured my place in Dortmund – Dortmund is the one I’m chasing!”

HUMPHRIES HAILS ‘GREAT RUN’

Humphries was unable to complete a third straight Czech Darts Open triumph, but the world number two still enjoyed another outstanding weekend in Prague.

The 31-year-old opened his campaign with a near-109 average against Beau Greaves before overcoming Andrew Gilding, William O’Connor and Gerwyn Price to reach the final.

His run earned him the £15,000 runner-up prize, having revealed earlier in the weekend that he had considered withdrawing from the tournament because of an injury concern.

“It’s been a great run for me, making four out of five finals,” admitted Humphries.

“I was going to pull out on Thursday, and I made the final, so I can’t be too upset with myself because I did really well.

“I’m happy that I’ve had a good run and come back to see these amazing people, the fans; they’re just amazing.

“That’s why I’ll be here every year. It’s my favourite Euro Tour on the calendar. They’re so respectful, it’s amazing.

“I never give up, especially in finals. I know that Luke is obviously going to throw everything at me – that 130 was a big shot.

“Hopefully over the next four months, I push him. If he does the clean sweep, he has to do it the hard way!”

PRICE AND VAN GERWEN REACH LAST FOUR

Gerwyn Price continued his impressive run in Prague by reaching the semi-finals, producing a dominant 6-1 victory over Cameron Menzies before defeating reigning Hungarian Darts Trophy champion Ross Smith in the quarter-finals.

Price’s run came to an end against Humphries, who booked his place in the showpiece after another strong display.

Van Gerwen also reached the semi-finals after producing a comeback victory against Wessel Nijman before overcoming Jonny Clayton.

The Dutchman was appearing in his first European Tour semi-final since March, but was unable to progress to the final after Humphries ended his hopes.

Earlier in the day, Danny Noppert produced one of the comebacks of the tournament as he recovered from 4-0 and 5-3 down against Luke Woodhouse.

Noppert struck seven maximums on his way to a dramatic victory, while William O’Connor also progressed after edging out fellow Irishman Josh Rock in a deciding-leg thriller.

The 2026 European Tour season now moves on to Belgium, with the Flanders Darts Trophy (ET13) taking place in Antwerp from September 11-13.

The 32-player field for the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix will be confirmed following next weekend’s event, while the battle for European Championship qualification continues to intensify.

Luke Littler Beats Luke Humphries To Claim Czech Darts Open Crown

2026 ČEZ Czech Darts Open

Sunday September 6

Round Three

Afternoon Session

Gerwyn Price 6-1 Cameron Menzies

Ross Smith 6-3 Gian van Veen

William O’Connor 6-5 Josh Rock

Luke Humphries 6-3 Andrew Gilding

Jonny Clayton 6-4 Keane Barry

Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Wessel Nijman

Danny Noppert 6-5 Luke Woodhouse

Luke Littler 6-3 Krzysztof Ratajski

Evening Session

Quarter-Finals

Gerwyn Price 6-4 Ross Smith

Luke Humphries 6-3 William O’Connor

Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Jonny Clayton

Luke Littler 6-0 Danny Noppert

Semi-Finals

Luke Humphries 7-4 Gerwyn Price

Luke Littler 7-3 Michael van Gerwen

Final

Luke Littler 8-6 Luke Humphries