"I couldn't hit anything, so I don't know how I've done that": 'Untouchable' Luke Littler marvels at 108 average despite languid preparation as Prague title tilt gains steam
PDCSunday, 06 September 2026 at 07:48
Luke Littler made a big statement on his European Tour return. The reigning world champion cruised into the last 16 of the Czech Darts Open on Saturday night. Against Niko Springer, Littler fired a superb 108.59 average, yet the German still pushed the world star hard despite that elite level.
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For Littler, it was simply good to be back on the European Tour after a longer break. The Englishman said he had six and a half weeks off and had to readjust to the conditions and the heat in the arena.
“Yeah, it's definitely, it's been a while coming to these European Tours,” Littler said after his second-round win at the Czech Darts Open. “The heat and everything, it's just some of that I've got to get back used to. I could have had six and a half weeks off, but yeah, if I win or if I lost there, I was just saying to myself, it's so good to be back."
That feeling was amplified by the atmosphere in Prague. Littler clearly enjoyed the enthusiastic fans and also faced a strong opponent. Springer stayed with the Englishman for long spells and forced Littler to stay sharp right to the finish. “The atmosphere, the game that Niko put up against me, it was a really good game."
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Springer pushes Littler hard
The interviewer compared it to their previous meeting at the World Matchplay. Then too, Littler produced a notably high level, while Springer still managed to turn it into a real contest despite the gap in quality.
Littler had plenty of praise for his opponent. “Yeah, definitely, full credit. Obviously, I was 5-2 up, and next minute I look at the board, and it's 5-4, and he's got the darts to make it level."
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Littler was determined to avoid that scenario. The world champion knew a deciding last leg could have created unnecessary trouble, so he chose to close it out there and then. "But yeah, I just had to finish it there. I didn't fancy a last leg decider."
The fact that Littler then averaged 108.59 made the display even more impressive, especially given his less-than-ideal stage warm-up. “I I can't even say I've got rid of a bit of dust because I've just put in a 108 average, but when I was practising backstage, I couldn't hit anything, so I don't know how I've done that."
Luke Littler faces Krzysztof Ratajski in the third round
Ratajski awaits in the last 16
Another serious test looms in the last 16. The world champion meets Krzysztof Ratajski, one of the most experienced and dangerous players on the PDC circuit.
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Littler is looking beyond the name and factoring in tempo. Against Springer, who plays relatively fast, the Englishman had to ensure he wasn’t dragged into his opponent’s rhythm. “Yeah, well, obviously with Niko there, he's a very quick player,” Littler explained. “Obviously the conditions that we're playing in, I was saying to myself just don't get caught up in his pace and his speed, so I sort of tried to manage it that way."
Littler knows what to expect from Ratajski too. The Englishman faced the Pole just a week or two ago on the Pro Tour, which gives him fresh reference points. “With Krzysztof tomorrow, obviously I played him on the Pro Tour a week or two ago, so I know how to manage Krzysztof as well," said Littler.
At the same time, the world champion knows Ratajski must not be underestimated. The Pole brings huge experience and, on his day, can beat anyone in the world. “But like you said, he's very dangerous, he can be at times, and yeah, I'm just smiling, good to be back,” Littler added.
No time for sightseeing
This is already Littler’s third visit to Prague. This time, he has brought his family to the Czech capital. Although Prague is known as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the Englishman has barely had time to explore. “Not yet,” Littler replied with a smile when asked if he had seen any of Prague. “I don’t think I really have time for that now.”
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His priority is firmly on the tournament. A sightseeing tour will have to wait. “Not at the minute, so I don't think I really got time now,” he joked. "Maybe if I lost, I might have gone out tomorrow, but yeah, hotel and the stages."
The message is clear. His European Tour return has started superbly, but the world champion wants more. After that 108.59 against Springer, Ratajski is another heavyweight test. If Littler holds this level, he will again be among the leading contenders for the title in Prague.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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- If he can be bothered? He won't play darts in Germany yet he'll go over and get an award!??rick6702-09-2026
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- I appreciate that littler is a fantastic player,but the top 3 articles are about him. Before he'd thrown a dart in the tournament. Level it out a bit, Taylor and van gerwen soon got disliked as the media could only see them,and nobody else seemed to matterrick6725-08-2026
- The two-point Lucky Loser qualifiers are Ross Smith, Robb, Whitlock, Sakai, Ilagan and Toylo. Jermaine is not on the entries list on Dartconnect for the TCH qualifier so the four from the main OoM are probably Searle, Nijman, Dobey, Wattimena.Scoobedybop24-08-2026
- The two-point Lucky Loser qualifiers are Ross Smith, Robb, Whitlock, Sakai, Ilagan and Toylo. Jermaine is not on the entries list on Dartconnect for the TCH qualifier so the four from the main OoM are probably Searle, Nijman, Dobey, Wattimena.Scoobedybop24-08-2026
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