Belgian Darts Open: Luke Littler hits perfect nine and beats Rob Cross to claim European Tour crown

The 17-year-old produced the perfect leg to move 6-5 ahead and, despite losing the next two, fought back to emerge victorious against the former world champion.

Littler’s victory included six maximums compared to his opponent’s five in a see-saw battle.

Cross averaged 108 for the match and Littler 104, but it was the latter who collected the £30,000 winner’s prize.

Littler, who also hit a nine-darter when winning on his World Series debut, said afterwards: “I’m just glad to get over the line.

“I hit the nine and then lost the next two legs, so I’m just glad to get over the line. It’s always good to be involved in a good game.

“Like Rob said just then, I bring the best out of him and he’s thankful for that, so we always push ourselves to the last leg.”

Cross, competing in his ninth European Tour final after beating Gerwyn Price 7-3 in the last four, could not hide his disappointment, but saluted the victor.

“He really pushes on,” Cross said. “I wanted a big display and got a big display. To be fair I missed a few chances, but I’ve loved this crowd this weekend.

“This young man has got such a bright future in front of him. The nine-darter was impeccable, amazing. This boy’s special.”

Earlier on Sunday, Littler beat Damon Heta 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals and after seeing off Jermaine Wattimena 6-2, he overcame Ricardo Pietreczko 7-3 in the last four.

Photo Credit: Jonas Hunold/PDC Europe