Luke Littler's Belgian Darts Open Hat-Trick Dream Ends in Last 16 Upset
Luke Littler's hopes of securing a historic hat-trick of Belgian Darts Open titles were dashed on Sunday 22 March 2026, as he suffered a narrow 5-6 defeat to Dutch challenger Niels Zonneveld in the last 16. The match, held in Wieze, Belgium, marked a significant upset, with Zonneveld becoming the first player to beat the two-time defending champion at this venue.
Zonneveld's Comeback Seals Victory
Littler, who had been unbeaten in his previous 12 matches at the Belgian Darts Open, started strongly, taking a 3-1 lead after the first three legs went against the darts. However, Zonneveld demonstrated resilience, battling back to take the lead for the first time at 4-3. The Dutchman then missed three match darts in the penultimate leg, allowing Littler to force a decider with a dramatic 136 takeout.
Despite this opportunity, Littler was unable to capitalise. Zonneveld sealed the victory with a stunning 147 checkout, ending Littler's campaign and his unbeaten run at the event. This result means Littler will not defend his title, halting his pursuit of a third consecutive win in Belgium.
The match was a tense affair, showcasing the high stakes of professional darts. Littler's early dominance was countered by Zonneveld's persistent play, culminating in a thrilling finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. The defeat is a setback for Littler, who had aimed to cement his legacy with a hat-trick, but it highlights Zonneveld's growing prowess on the circuit.
