Luke Littler sets up Damon Heta rematch as he breezes past Krzysztof Ratajski in the Belgian Open

Planet Sport writerStaff Writer10 March 2024
Luke Littler at the Belgian Darts Open

Luke Littler at the Belgian Darts Open

Luke Littler put in another Saturday night prime-time performance to advance to the third round of the Belgian Open.

While a pre-recorded appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show was being aired at home, the 17-year-old featuring alongside Liam Gallagher and Millie Bobby Brown on the popular chat show, he let his darts do the talking to beat Ratajski 6-3 in Wieze.

Littler was frustrated by the Pole’s slow play, but he held his nerve, crucially breaking in the eighth leg with an 11-dart finish.

Victory sets up a rematch with Australian Heta, who ended Littler’s hopes of winning the UK Open last week in Minehead in one of the highest quality matches in the tournament’s history.

The teenager, playing in his maiden European Tour event, says revenge is not on his mind.

“That’s what people say, revenge is a thing,” he said during his on-stage interview. “I just get on with the next game and beat what’s in front of me.”

Peter Wright has a chance to give himself a perfect birthday present after beating Michael van Gerwen.

Wright celebrates his 54th birthday on Sunday and four more wins will see him lift the title.

A first ranking victory over the Dutchman since 2021 will give him confidence, even if it was not a convincing 6-4 victory.

Van Gerwen, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury, had two darts to send it to a last-leg decider but could not find his target and Wright took advantage.

Wright said: “Michael has still got a shoulder injury and I was feeling sorry for him.

Recommended Offers

betting card

£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins

New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
betting card

Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus

New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
betting card

Get £10 in Free Bets

New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad

“He didn’t do much practice in the back room so I thought I had a chance.

“I nearly threw it away, but I got through. Normally you have to average over a ton to beat Michael, hopefully he gets better and he starts playing the darts we know he can.”

Mike De Decker knocked out 2023 world champion Michael Smith.

Smith’s form has plummeted since winning at Alexandra Palace 15 months ago and he was outplayed by the home favourite in a 6-2 defeat.

World number one Luke Humphries also eased into Sunday’s action with a 6-1 win over James Wade.

    More News