Luke Littler wins battle of World Youth Champions, eases past Gian van Veen into UK Open semi-finals

The match of the session of sorts started proceedings off at the 2025 UK Open as it went to draw order and it saw Luke Littler ease past Gian van Veen into the last four.

Littler jokingly lamented getting out of bed early on his social media to play at a time which he is not accustomed to now as the hot property of darts. But it certainly didn't lessen his display as he eased through 10-4.

Littler hit a 107 average and seven 180's in a battle of World Youth Champions. A match perhaps many expected to be closer but shows the class of 'The Nuke'.

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To start, Littler stamped his authority. Van Veen went 3-0 down. Van Veen had caught up slightly making it 3-2 at the first break featuring a 161 checkout. However Littler hit 101 to go 4-2 up in this race to 10. This was to break the Van Veen throw.

Van Veen hit back with double eight with Littler ready to pounce for a 6-3 lead. A 59 checkout though saw Littler gain that 6-3 lead though.

They went to the break at 7-3 Van Veen couldn't get a shot at 121 and didn't return as Littler held on 89 for 8-3. A 68 checkout saw Van Veen reduce the arrears to 8-4.

Littler didn't realise what he was on it seemed. But he hit a 67 checkout to go 9-4. He was sat on seven 180's with an average of around 108 as he romped towards the finish.

He left 102 with Van Veen only slimly able to get himself onto a finish. He didn't get another visit though as Littler hit 102 to seal the win and he claimed it in style. He goes into the semi-finals as the man firmly to beat.

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