Luke Littler continued his meteoric rise in the world of darts by claiming his second European Tour title, taking down Joe Cullen 8-4 in the final held in Graz, Austria, on Sunday. Littler, just 17, demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, adding another impressive win to his resume and securing a substantial £30,000 in prize money. His victory was the culmination of a week in which the young star maintained his position at the top of the Premier League standings after a victory in Liverpool on Night 13.
Littler’s success in Austria is another step in what has been a breakthrough season for the teenager. With his blend of talent and calm under pressure, he’s rapidly becoming one of the sport’s most exciting young talents. In Austria, he began his journey by defeating Zoran Lerchbacher and Damon Heta, two tough competitors, to secure his spot in the last 16. From there, he overcame Ross Smith, Danny Noppert, and Krzysztof Ratajski, showcasing his ability to stay focused and resilient through challenging matches. Despite not playing at his very best in the final against Cullen, Littler managed to seal the victory comfortably, underscoring his capacity to deliver results even when the stakes are high.
However, Littler’s rapid ascent has not come without challenges. The young prodigy has expressed a desire to manage his busy schedule more carefully, suggesting he may soon play in fewer tournaments to avoid burnout. Following his victory, Littler revealed his intention to reduce his appearances on the circuit to prioritize rest and recovery. Reflecting on his future, he acknowledged that his recent success has put him in a position to be more selective with his schedule.
“Yeah, if I do well then obviously if I get into the other majors and I’ve secured myself then I can just drop out of stuff and take the days off as chilling and look onto the next thing,” Littler shared after his win in Austria. “So winning this has done me really well.”
For a player as young as Littler, balancing ambition with sustainability is essential. His decision to cut back on tournaments reflects a maturity beyond his years, as he appears mindful of maintaining his level of play over the long term. By strategically selecting events, he is positioning himself to maximize his performance at major tournaments, an approach that could prove vital as he continues to compete at the highest levels.
The young star also took to social media to celebrate his second European Tour title, expressing gratitude to fans who turned out in large numbers to support him. “Darts fans, you never disappoint! The energy tonight was mental! It made winning my second European Tour title that much sweeter. Cheers, legends,” he posted. Littler’s gratitude and enthusiasm were clear, as he acknowledged the role that fan support has played in his journey so far.
Meanwhile, Joe Cullen, who fell to Littler in the final, didn’t hold back in his assessment of both his and Littler’s performances. Although disappointed with his own play, Cullen acknowledged Littler’s talent, calling him a “generational talent.” Cullen’s comments reflected both frustration with his performance and admiration for the skill Littler brings to the game.
“I thought I played rubbish and, to be honest, I didn’t think Luke played that well either – but he was better than me,” Cullen remarked candidly. He later added, “I was not very good. I’m disappointed with the way I played, but congratulations to Luke, he’s a generational talent. I think I’ve practised more in the last hour than he has all week.”
Cullen’s comments, while critical of the final match quality, underscore the reputation Littler has already begun to build within the sport. As a young player whose success seems to come effortlessly, Littler has attracted both admiration and a touch of envy from fellow competitors. His combination of youthful exuberance and a calm approach to high-stakes matches has drawn attention, marking him as a potential long-term star in the world of darts.
With this latest win, Littler is now heading to Night 14 of the Premier League, where he will face off against top-tier players in Aberdeen, Scotland. Littler currently leads the Premier League standings, sitting five points ahead of Luke Humphries. This week, he will go head-to-head with Nathan Aspinall, who is currently in third place, in what promises to be an exciting quarterfinal matchup. The Premier League has been a proving ground for Littler, allowing him to measure his skills against the best in the game and cement his status as a leading contender.
As Littler continues his journey in the Premier League, his fans and fellow players will be watching closely to see how he handles the demands of a professional career at such a young age. While his plan to reduce his schedule may disappoint some fans who want to see him at every event, it’s a strategic move that could help sustain his career over the long term. Littler’s path to the top is only just beginning, and by pacing himself, he’s setting himself up for sustained success in the years to come.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Luke Littler as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with being a young talent in a competitive sport. His win in Austria is just one chapter in what promises to be an exciting career, and with the support of fans and his disciplined approach, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of darts.