Darts sensation Luke Littler continued his meteoric rise on Sunday as he earned his second trophy on the European Tour after victory over Joe Cullen in the Austrian Open
Luke Littler was fitted with a Green Jacket after landing his fourth title in as many months in Graz last night.
Warrington’s boy wonder beat Joe Cullen 8-4 in the final at the Austrian Darts Open to claim his second trophy on the European Tour in his debut season on the professional circuit. ‘Luke the Nuke’ has now won titles in Bahrain, Belgium, Austria and on the floor in Britain – as well as sitting top of the Premier League.
The noisy 2,500-strong crowd adopted Littler as one of their own and he said: “I thought the fans in Belgium were great, but these guys were something else. I came here to win, and I’ve got over the line, so I’m happy.”
Told that the Green Jacket – similar to the must-have accessory awarded to the winner of golf ’s US Masters – was the most sought-after prize on the European Tour, Littler laughed: “Is it? Well, I’ve got it now!”
Cullen was left frustrated in defeat and criticised both his own and Littler’s performances. He admitted: “I thought I played rubbish and, to be honest, I didn’t think Luke played that well either – but he was better than me.”
Despite his disappointment, the 34-year-old Cullen was left in awe of his opponent’s talent. He accepted that Littler was a prodigious player. Cullen 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.”
The Steiermarkhalle final stayed on throw for the duration of the first seven legs of the clash before Littler found his breakthrough. The teen sensation took out 65 to gain a crucial advantage.
Cullen did not make things easy however and broke straight back but Littler was not to be denied as a third leg in a row went against the throw. The Rockstar was unable to recover as Littler then held his throw before managing a checkout of 71 to seal victory after 12 legs.
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