Littler Dominates but the big names sent packing in Antwerp 

Luke Littler marched into the last 16 of the Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy in emphatic style on Saturday, whitewashing Ireland’s Dylan Slevin in a flawless display on Day Two of the European Tour event in Antwerp. The World Champion, who has already lifted silverware in Belgium this year, looked completely at ease on the Antwerp Xpo stage as he set his sights on another continental triumph.

The second round saw 16 matches contested across a pulsating day of action, with upsets, dramatic finishes and standout performances keeping the packed Belgian crowd on the edge of their seats.

Littler Ruthless in Opening Win

Making his return to the European Tour stage, Littler wasted no time laying down a marker. The 17-year-old averaged over 101, hit four maximums and, perhaps most impressively, produced a perfect record on the doubles – six attempts, six successes – to complete the only 6-0 whitewash of the weekend so far.

The teenager, who triumphed at the Lecot Belgian Darts Open in Wieze earlier this year, clearly relishes playing in front of Belgian crowds.

“When I came up on stage, it just felt like home,” Littler said afterwards. “I love coming here. I’m glad to play well tonight and now I can focus on tomorrow. Six out of six on the doubles – I don’t usually get that, so I’m very happy.”

Littler will face Ryan Searle in Sunday’s last 16, where he will hope to continue his charge towards a second European Tour title of the season.

Dream Run for Vandenbogaerde

If Littler was clinical, Mario Vandenbogaerde provided the emotion of the day. The Belgian veteran produced a superb 6-3 victory over former Premier League champion Jonny Clayton to secure his spot in the final day of a European Tour event for the first time in his career.

Fresh from knocking out World Champion Michael Smith on Friday, Vandenbogaerde once again rose to the occasion in front of a raucous home crowd.

“Can you wake me up? I think I’m living in a dream,” said the 52-year-old. “Yesterday Michael, now Jonny. I go to the oche and I tell myself to enjoy it. I hope tomorrow I can live another dream!”

Vandenbogaerde’s reward is a clash with Danny Noppert, ensuring there will be Dutch and Belgian representation deep into the tournament.

Bunting Brilliant, Weber Stuns Chisnall

Elsewhere, Stephen Bunting produced one of the performances of the day. The top seed averaged over 107 in a stunning 6-1 demolition of Joe Cullen, setting up a last-16 showdown with Josh Rock in what promises to be a blockbuster tie.

One of the biggest shocks came courtesy of 22-year-old German Leon Weber, who sent reigning champion Dave Chisnall crashing out with a 6-4 success. Weber now meets James Wade, who eased past home favourite Kim Huybrechts 6-3.

Another Belgian hope, Mike De Decker, also fell at the second hurdle, losing 6-3 to Martin Schindler despite producing a showpiece 170 checkout.

Big Names Fall as Seeds Struggle

The Antwerp crowd witnessed further drama when Gian van Veen toppled Dutch idol Michael van Gerwen. The young Dutchman hit four 180s in a 6-3 win over the number two seed, describing the result as one of the biggest of his career.

World Cup of Darts champions Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney also survived scares, both edging through 6-5 in last-leg deciders. Rock overcame Czech star Karel Sedláček, while Gurney scraped past Ross Smith after surviving two match darts.

Austrian legend Mensur Suljović rolled back the years in a thrilling contest with Rob Cross, firing seven maximums and landing 60% of his doubles in a 6-5 triumph sealed in dramatic style. He will now meet Luke Woodhouse, who dispatched a below-par Peter Wright 6-1. Wright endured a nightmare performance, averaging under 75 in one of his most disappointing European Tour outings.

Elsewhere, Krzysztof Ratajski, a late reserve entry, ousted Chris Dobey 6-3 with a 98+ average, while Danny Noppert mirrored Littler’s perfection on the doubles in a 6-4 win over compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode. Ryan Searle also provided fireworks, staging a fightback from 4-1 down to edge Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld 6-5.

Heta, Joyce Advance

Australia’s Damon Heta also impressed, brushing aside Christian Kist 6-3, and he will now face Ryan Joyce in the last 16. Joyce progressed automatically after Gerwyn Price withdrew from the tournament due to an infected hand.

What’s Next

With 16 players remaining, finals day promises fireworks in Antwerp. Littler’s pursuit of a second Belgian crown headlines the storylines, while Vandenbogaerde’s fairytale run offers the home crowd a player to cheer deep into Sunday. Add in blockbuster ties such as Bunting versus Rock and Suljović against Woodhouse, and the Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy looks set for a dramatic conclusion.

Live coverage resumes Sunday from 12:00 BST as the race for the title intensifies.

Littler Dominates but the big names sent packing in Antwerp 

2025 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy

Saturday August 30

Second Round

Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)

Mensur Suljovic 6-5 Rob Cross

Luke Woodhouse 6-1 Peter Wright

Leon Weber 6-4 Dave Chisnall

Josh Rock 6-5 Karel Sedlacek

Damon Heta 6-3 Christian Kist

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Chris Dobey

Danny Noppert 6-4 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)

James Wade 6-3 Kim Huybrechts

Ryan Searle 6-5 Raymond van Barneveld

Daryl Gurney 6-5 Ross Smith

Stephen Bunting 6-1 Joe Cullen

Luke Littler 6-0 Dylan Slevin

Gian van Veen 6-3 Michael van Gerwen

Martin Schindler 6-3 Mike De Decker

Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-3 Jonny Clayton

Sunday August 31

Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)

Third Round

Luke Littler v Ryan Searle

Damon Heta v Ryan Joyce

Danny Noppert v Mario Vandenbogaerde

Krzysztof Ratajski v Daryl Gurney

Gian van Veen v Martin Schindler

James Wade v Leon Weber

Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock

Mensur Suljovic v Luke Woodhouse

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)

Quarter-Finals

Semi-Finals

Final

Sunday’s games played in Draw Bracket order

Gerwyn Price has withdrawn from the Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy this weekend due to an infected hand. As Price withdrew after the tournament had begun, Ryan Joyce will receive a Bye straight into Round Three.