Darts sensation Luke Littler has declared himself back to his best after winning the Australian Darts Masters, his second title in a month. The 18-year-old, who also triumphed at the World Matchplay in July, beat home favourite Damon Heta, Stephen Bunting and Mike De Decker 8-4 in the final in Sydney.
Littler, known as 'Luke the Nuke', admitted he had struggled with heckling in previous tournaments but felt more at ease in Australia. 'The first time I hear something I might react, but then I’ll just let it go and hopefully allow my darts to do the talking,' he said. 'Someone in the crowd here said I’m “washed” – I’m not sure exactly what he meant, but this trophy is my response.'
The world champion had endured a five-month trophy drought between his UK Open victory in March and his dramatic comeback wins at the World Matchplay. Now, with renewed scoring power, Littler is eyeing the £1 million prize on offer at the PDC World Championship in December. 'Winning gives you confidence – and this is the most confident I’ve felt in a very long time,' he said.
Littler heads to the New Zealand Darts Masters this Friday as the heavy favourite, and he is already tipped to retain his world title at Alexandra Palace. 'Losing any final always motivates you and makes you want to come back and go one step further,' he added, referencing his defeat to Gerwyn Price in last year's Australian Masters final.
