Littler conquers nine-dart Van Veen to lift inaugural Poland Darts Open

Luke Littler overcame a nine-dart leg from Gian van Veen to land a high-quality Poland Darts Open final 8-4 in Krakow on Sunday night.

Littler, who was sent off an unusually large 11/4 chance for the season’s first European Tour event with some bookmakers following a lacklustre start to this year’s Premier League, had never looked in danger across the weekend.

The youngster recorded comfortable wins over Mike De Decker (6-1), Ross Smith (6-2), Josh Rock (6-1) and Chris Dobey (7-3) en route to the showpiece, with averages ranging from 99 all the way up to 113.

Van Veen, who was also beaten by the Nuke in last month’s 2026 PDC World Championship final, did at least offer up some excellent resistance in the early stages – none more so than when producing perfection in leg five of the contest to go a break up at 3-2.

But that moment of magic seemed to trigger Littler into action, with the 19-year-old reeling off six of the remaining seven legs to seal the fifth European Tour title of his glittering career.

Littler: Van Veen nine-darter ‘spurred me on’

Speaking afterwards, Littler said: “It [Van Veen’s nine-darter] definitely spurred me on.

“All weekend I've gone off 180 and I've wanted to go back-to-back to have a shot myself but when Gian hit it, in my head I was like, 'let's get him now, he's a bit tired'.

“In the past people have hit nine-darters against me and it's a big achievement. It's not easy to do. In the final, so early, I was like just go for him now while he's a bit overwhelmed.

"In the Premier League, the first three weeks, I've not felt the best but coming here I definitely needed this one.

"We can take it onto Belfast on Thursday now.”

Littler still huge favourite for Premier League success despite shaky start

Littler was sent off a 1/3 favourite to top this year’s Premier League table when the tournament kicked off earlier this month but now finds himself out at 8/13 after failing to make a final in the opening three weeks.

The Nuke was given a bye through last week’s quarter-final stage after prospective opponent Michael van Gerwen missed the Glasgow event through illness but was unable to capitalise, thumped 6-1 by a ruthless Jonny Clayton in the semis.

Indeed, the Ferret finds himself the unexpected leader of the pack at this early stage and five points ahead of Littler in the standings, who is down in sixth spot currently.

Bookmakers clearly aren’t concerned about the youngster at this stage though, making him no bigger than 1/10 to finish in the top four and still a clear 10/11 favourite with sponsors BetMGM to lift the title in May.

Last year's champion Luke Humphries remains the clear second favourite at 5/1 (Star Sports), just ahead of Gian van Veen at a general 13/2. Michael van Gerwen, who won the first two events, is 10/1, with current leader Clayton an 18/1 chance.

Gerwyn Price has started slowly but is still just 11/1 for the crown, while strugglers Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting already appear to be out of title contention – priced at 40/1 and 150/1 for glory respectively.

All quoted odds correct as of Monday February 23rd, 2026.