Luke Littler wins battle of World Youth Champions, eases past Gian van Veen into UK Open semi-finals
PDC
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.
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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.
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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.
| Gian van Veen | VS | Luke Littler |
|---|---|---|
| 99.82 | Average (3 Darts) | 107.3 |
| 12 | 100+ Thrown | 15 |
| 13 | 140+ Thrown | 11 |
| 3 | 180 Thrown | 7 |
| 161 | Highest Checkout | 102 |
| 1 | Checkout 100+ | 2 |
| 44.4 | Checkout percentage | 47.6 |
| 4 / 9 | Checkout | 10 / 21 |
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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.
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- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026