The Winmau World Darts Masters kicked off with fireworks at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, and few matches delivered more tension than Luke Littler’s opening-round clash against Mike De Decker. In a best-of-five-sets thriller, the world No. 1 and reigning world champion edged out the Belgian 3-2, surviving a stern test to launch his campaign in style.
From the first dart, the crowd sensed this wouldn’t be a straightforward win for “The Nuke.” Littler, fresh off his dominant 2025 season that saw him claim multiple majors including the PDC World Championship, faced a De Decker determined to cause an upset. The Belgian, a former World Grand Prix winner, has shown flashes of brilliance against top players and entered the tie with nothing to lose after a mixed run of form.
**Set 1** went the way of experience, with Littler settling quickly. He built an early lead with clinical finishing and sharp scoring, taking the set 3-1. His trademark 180s rained in, and the arena erupted as he closed it out on double top. It looked like business as usual for the teenager.
But De Decker refused to wilt. In **Set 2**, the Belgian found his rhythm, hitting back-to-back maximums and punishing any Littler wobble. The set swung dramatically, with De Decker breaking throw and holding firm to level the match at 1-1 sets. The crowd roared—here was the upset brewing.
**Set 3** intensified the drama. Both players traded blows in a leg-by-leg battle. Littler produced a stunning 170 checkout to steal a crucial leg, but De Decker responded with his own high-quality darts, forcing a deciding leg. In a nail-biter, Littler held his nerve on the bullseye to edge ahead 2-1 in sets.
The pressure mounted in **Set 4**. De Decker, sensing his chance, surged forward with relentless scoring. He broke early and maintained composure to force a decider set. The Belgian’s fans chanted loudly, believing their man could pull off the shock against the world No. 1.
The final **Set 5** was pure theatre. Legs exchanged holds until a decisive moment arrived. Littler, showing why he’s the game’s brightest star, unleashed a blistering run—back-to-back 11-darters and a crucial 121 finish—to break De Decker’s throw. He then held serve comfortably, sealing the 3-2 victory with a clinical double 16.
Post-match, Littler admitted it was tougher than expected. “Mike came out firing—he’s a quality player and made me work for every leg,” he said. “I had to dig deep, but that’s what majors are about. Happy to get over the line and into the next round.”
De Decker, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent’s resilience. Their head-to-head now tilts heavily in Littler’s favor after several previous encounters, but this one proved the Belgian can push the champion to the brink.
For Littler, this gritty win sets a strong tone for his World Masters bid. As defending champion Luke Humphries and other stars loom, surviving early scares like this builds momentum. The Nuke is rolling—but he knows every match will demand his best.
The tournament is just getting started, and if this opener is anything to go by, darts fans are in for an unforgettable week.
Leave a Reply