In a heart-stopping encounter at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, teenage darts sensation Luke Littler demonstrated remarkable composure to survive a major scare and advance to the last sixteen of the prestigious Winmau World Masters. The tournament favourite was pushed to the absolute limit by a determined Mike De Decker in a second-round classic that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
A Rollercoaster Battle of Nerves
The match unfolded as a genuine thriller, with momentum swinging dramatically between the two competitors. Littler, widely tipped for glory, started strongly by claiming the opening set, seemingly setting the tone for a comfortable evening. However, De Decker responded with immediate authority, drawing level by taking the second set with a spectacular 121 checkout finished on the bullseye.
De Decker Seizes Control Before Dramatic Collapse
The Belgian player's confidence soared as he won four consecutive legs to seize a commanding 2-1 lead in sets. The prospect of a monumental upset grew tangible when De Decker earned a match dart in the fourth set. Needing double 11 to seal a famous victory, he agonisingly missed his opportunity. On the very next throw, a cool-headed Littler stepped up and nailed double 16 to draw the match level at 2-2, completely shifting the psychological momentum.
With the match now going to a decisive fifth set, the pressure was immense. Needing just 30 points to complete a remarkable comeback, the 19-year-old Littler showed why he is considered one of the sport's brightest talents. He clinically dispatched De Decker with a double five, booking his place in the next round and setting up a highly anticipated last-16 showdown with Ross Smith as he continues his quest for another major title.
Other Notable Results from a Dramatic Evening
The drama of Littler's match somewhat overshadowed other compelling contests on the night. Defending champion Luke Humphries also had to recover from an early setback in his title defence. He dropped the first set against Dave Chisnall but demonstrated his class by reeling off the next three sets to win 3-1, firing seven 180s and maintaining a formidable average of 104 in the process.
Debut Delight and Dutch Disappointment
Luke Woodhouse enjoyed a World Masters debut to remember, launching the evening's action with an emphatic 3-0 whitewash of German number one Martin Schindler. Woodhouse averaged an impressive 108.64 – his highest ever televised average – and produced a stunning 136 checkout in the first set.
There was mixed fortune for Dutch players. Debutant Jimmy van Schie fired an incredible 10-darter to take an early lead against Ross Smith, but the experienced Kent thrower finished strongly to win 3-1. Fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert progressed with a 3-1 victory over Daryl Gurney, who hit seven 180s but still fell short.
Elsewhere, former world champion Rob Cross secured a 3-1 win against Ryan Searle, while the highly-rated Josh Rock dispatched Connor Scutt by the same scoreline to claim his spot in the second round of this major tournament.
