Nathan Aspinall found himself at the center of a memorable moment in darts history when he faced off against teenage sensation Luke Littler in the last-16 of the Czech Darts Open. While Aspinall is one of the sport’s top talents, he was left in awe of his opponent’s performance, ultimately losing 6-1 in a match that left spectators and players alike buzzing. Littler, only 17 years old, didn’t just beat Aspinall; he did so in record-breaking fashion, setting a new tournament record with a stunning average of 110.43, leaving Aspinall little room to mount a defense.
The match between Aspinall and Littler was one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament. Littler, who has been making waves in the darts world since his debut, has quickly become known for his extraordinary skill and maturity beyond his years. Nicknamed “The Nuke,” Littler’s explosive style was fully on display during this contest. Aspinall, a former UK Open champion and Premier League finalist, knew he had a tough task ahead of him, but even he seemed surprised by just how dominant the young star proved to be.
From the start, Littler took control of the match, firing in four 180s and putting immense pressure on Aspinall. The seasoned pro struggled to keep up with Littler’s blistering pace, managing an average of 96.45—decent by any standard but far below the teenager’s near-flawless display. Littler’s relentless scoring and precise finishing left little room for Aspinall to mount any serious challenge, and the match was over in just seven legs, with Littler cruising to a 6-1 victory.
The highlight of the match came not only from Littler’s dominant play but also from the good-natured response from Aspinall after his defeat. As Littler sealed the win, Aspinall, with a smile on his face, jokingly threw his darts to the floor in mock resignation, arms outstretched, as if to say, “What could I do?” His lighthearted reaction to the loss underscored the respect he has for Littler’s remarkable talent, acknowledging that the youngster was simply unbeatable on the day.
Littler’s performance wasn’t just a comfortable win; it was a record-breaking display of brilliance. His tournament record average of 110.43 is one that will be remembered for years to come, marking yet another milestone in what has been an extraordinary 12 months for the young star. Reflecting on his victory, Littler remained grounded despite the accolades pouring in. He admitted that a recent change in equipment had initially caused him some issues, but going back to his preferred set of darts made all the difference. “Loads of talk of changing darts,” Littler said after the match. “I went back to what I know best, and it worked well. I’m happy with these darts.”
Littler’s calm demeanor after such a historic win reflects the confidence he has in his ability, even against the sport’s best. His next challenge in the Czech Darts Open is a quarter-final matchup against Australian ace Damon Heta, a player Littler has faced and beaten before. “If I can play like this again, I’ll be very happy,” Littler added. “I always have a good game against Damon [Heta],” signaling that he’s ready for yet another top-level battle.
The win over Aspinall and the incredible year Littler has had come as no surprise to those who have followed his meteoric rise. Littler first stunned the world by reaching the final of the World Championship earlier in the year, an achievement that solidified his place among darts’ elite. Not only did he earn a spot in the prestigious Premier League, but he went on to win it, defeating Luke Humphries 11-7 in a thrilling final at London’s O2 Arena.
Littler’s remarkable season has seen him claim victory in other major events as well, including the World Series of Darts Finals, the Bahrain Masters, and the Poland Masters. His success is not only a testament to his raw talent but also to his composure and ability to thrive under pressure—traits rarely seen in someone so young.
As the darts calendar moves toward the end of the year, Littler has his eyes set on even more success. The European Championship is just around the corner, and Littler will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to take home the title. Beyond that, the 2024 World Championship looms large, with the darts world watching closely to see if Littler can cap off his phenomenal year with a victory at Alexandra Palace, the sport’s grandest stage.
But it’s not all serious competition for Littler. The teenager has also been signed up for a bit of fun, appearing alongside former cricketer Freddie Flintoff in the *Christmas Special of Bullseye*, a nod to darts’ lighter, more nostalgic side. It’s clear that Littler is not just one of the brightest young stars in the sport but also a player who understands how to balance the pressures of the game with enjoying the moment.
For now, all eyes remain on the young phenom as he continues his journey, with his latest win over Nathan Aspinall serving as yet another reminder of his immense potential. The future of darts may very well belong to Luke Littler, and with each passing tournament, that future seems closer than ever.