Luke Littler suffered a surprise 6-2 defeat at the hands of Dirk van Duijvenbode who progressed to his first European Tour quarter-final of the calendar year.
The 17-year-old was back in action in search of the Flanders Darts Trophy title and the £30,000 cash prize that comes with victory, but lost four consecutive legs from 2-2 and was knocked out by the world No. 21.
The Titan scored an average of 101.38, with eight throws over 100, to secure his first quarter-final on the tour for 12 months against none other than darts’ biggest name in Antwerp.
“I was so focused,” Van Duijvenbode explained. “I said, ‘Dirk, if you want to win this game, you need to be at your best.’ We’ve never seen a kid like this; he has so much more to improve and he’s already unbeatable. I’m still not 100 per cent, and I won’t be this year. But winning these games gives a confidence boost.”
Littler had been hoping to bounce back from defeat in the German Masters final to Peter Wright last time out, having cried on stage before he was consoled by his opponent and Master of Ceremonies, Philip Brzezinski after the sad passing of a close friend’s late father.
Littler coasted into the third round past Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena, 6-1, thanks to an incredible 111.13 average.
But he could not replicate that form against the 32-year-old, who missed a match dart but Littler was unable to take advantage and claim what would have been a spectacular comeback.
Van Duijvenbode will face Ricardo Pietreczko in the last eight, as Littler was denied a grudge match against ‘Pikachu’ after previously clashing with the German on stage at the Belgian Darts Open.
After booking a place in the final with victory over Pietreczko, Littler was squared up to by his opponent at the oche, having been annoyed by the teenager’s attempt at a fancy checkout.
Having required 147, Littler attempted the Peter Manley method of treble 19, tops and a bullseye, but the Premier League champion explained: “No idea what I did wrong, no idea what he said. He said something then don’t do it again.”
Pietreczko later issued an apology to Littler saying: “I was really proud of reaching the semi-finals but got a little bit too emotional and overreacted in the game.
“Sorry Luke Littler and big respect for what you achieved. And usually I am also a fan of fancy checkouts. Looking forward to the Pro Tours in Germany next week. Thanks for your support.”
