DUBBED the “Warrington Wonderkid” Luke Littler clinched the fourth World Series title of his young career and first of the season with victory at the Australian Darts Masters.
The reigning world and World Matchplay teenage champion was thrashed 8-1 by Gerwyn Price in last year’s final in Wollongong.
But he went one better this time around, beating World Series debutant Mike De Decker 8-4 to take the title after wins over home favourite Damon Heta and top seed Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals and semis respectively on Saturday.
Littler arrived in Australia fresh from lifting the World Matchplay title and the World Champion maintained his winning run to triumph in Wollongong.
The “Warrington wonderkid” 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 Finals Day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, as Littler overcame Damon Heta, Stephen Bunting and De Decker to secure his first World Series crown of 2025.
“It feels great,” reflected Littler, after avenging his defeat to Gerwyn Price in last year’s final.
“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 cannot wait for Auckland now. We’ll have a few days off, and then it’s off to New Zealand we go!”
Littler kicked off Saturday’s play with an impressive 6-3 success against Australian number one Heta, reeling off three straight legs to prevail with a 102 average.
The World Champion also made a sprint for the finish in his semi-final showdown against Stephen Bunting, producing a crucial 121 finish in the penultimate leg of his 7-4 victory.
De Decker defied a strong start from Littler to level at two apiece in Saturday’s showpiece, but the teenage superstar regained control with two magnificent legs.
The world number two followed up a sparkling 143 checkout with an 11-darter to lead 4-2, although De Decker remained in touch to reduce the arrears 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 of Darts debut, defeating Luke Humphries and Chris Dobey on Finals Day.
The second leg of the World Series’ Oceanic double-header will take place at the Spark Arena on August 15-16, as the sport’s biggest names battle it out for the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters title.
Australian darts masters champ🏆 feels great to finally pick up this trophy!🫡 pic.twitter.com/YGuVYmIrBc
— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) August 9, 2025
🗣️ “I didn’t play that well last night, but I played very well tonight when it really mattered.”
Luke Littler clinched his third World Series of Darts title with an impressive 8-4 victory over Mike De Decker in Saturday’s KenoGO Australian Darts Masters final.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) August 9, 2025
