Littler edges Rock in last-leg decider to win Flanders Darts Trophy

Luke Littler came from behind to beat Josh Rock 8-7 in the final of the Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy on Sunday at the Antwerp Xpo, securing another European Tour title in a dramatic last-leg decider. The 18-year-old world champion clinched the deciding leg with an 11-darter, sealing victory on double 18 after Rock had produced a sensational 161 bull finish to force a finale that had the crowd on its feet.

Rock began the match strongly, racing into a 4-1 lead, but Littler recovered by winning five of six legs to seize control. Rock’s 161 in the penultimate leg kept him alive, yet Littler remained composed in the decider, finishing the match after holding throw. Littler told the crowd afterward that he relishes a deciding leg, saying on stage that he has "always loved a last-leg decider" and that he backed himself to go out in 11.

The victory capped an impressive weekend for Littler, who had earlier whitewashed Dylan Slevin 6-0 in the second round after being rushed into emergency dental treatment in Manchester on the eve of the trip to Belgium. Littler averaged more than 110 in a third-round 6-3 win over Ryan Searle and then progressed through a tight quarterfinal against...