Luke Littler closing in on world No.1 ranking as he boosts stunning prize money haul with another big title
The win moved world No.2 Littler closer to Luke Humphries in the PDC rankings and he is now eyeing up a chance to take over as the top ranked player in the next few months.
Littler had prize money of £1,500,500 prior to this event in Australia, with Humphries holding on to the No.1 ranking with £1,797,750 in his prize pot from rankings tournaments over the last two years.
This latest win secured Littler another £30,000 cash windfall and he will be eyeing up more prize money in the second leg of the World Series' Oceanic double-header on August 15-16, as the sport's biggest names battle it out for the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters title.
The Warrington wonderkid survived a major scare in his opening round tie on Friday, edging out New Zealand's number one Haupai Puha in a last-leg decider.
However, normal service was resumed on Finals Day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, as Littler overcame Damon Heta, Stephen Bunting and De Decker to secure his first World Series crown of 2025.
'It feels great,' reflected Littler, after avenging his defeat to Gerwyn Price in last year's final. 'I didn't play that well last night, but I played very well tonight when it really mattered.
'Obviously it hadn't gone to plan on the World Series circuit this year, but there's plenty of opportunities to win and I've finally picked up that trophy tonight.
'I cannot wait for Auckland now. We'll have a few days off, and then it's off to New Zealand we go.'
Littler kicked off Saturday's play with an impressive 6-3 success against Australian number one Heta, reeling off three straight legs to prevail with a 102 average.
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The World Champion also made a sprint for the finish in his semi-final showdown against Stephen Bunting, producing a crucial 121 finish in the penultimate leg of his 7-4 victory.
De Decker defied a strong start from Littler to level at two apiece in Saturday's showpiece, but the teenage superstar regained control with two magnificent legs.
The world number two followed up a sparkling 143 checkout with an 11-darter to lead 4-2, although De Decker remained in touch to reduce the arrears to 6-4.
However, Littler responded with a brilliant 12-dart hold to move to the brink of victory at 7-4, before rounding off a 14-dart break to cap off a dominant campaign Down Under.
Despite missing out on the title, De Decker impressed on his World Series of Darts debut, defeating Luke Humphries and Chris Dobey on Finals Day.
The World Grand Prix champion averaged over 103 to whitewash world number one Humphries in the quarter-finals, taking out a stunning 167 checkout along the way.
The Belgian number one then powered past Dobey in the semi-finals, reeling off four consecutive legs from 4-3 down to complete an impressive comeback.
'I'm happy to get to the final, and I showed I'm still able to play my A-game,' reflected De Decker.
'There's been a lot of ups and downs this year, so reaching the final this weekend is a big confidence boost.'
Dobey also broke new ground in Wollongong, winning through a high-quality tie against reigning champion Price to progress to his first World Series semi-final.
The evening's other quarter-final clash saw Bunting whitewash Northern Ireland's World Cup champion Josh Rock, who had averaged 108 in Friday's first round.
Bunting also averaged 102 in defeat against Littler, although the Liverpudlian remains top of the World Series rankings heading into next weekend's event in Auckland.
2025 KenoGO Australian Darts Masters
Quarter-Finals
Stephen Bunting 6-0 Josh Rock
Luke Littler 6-3 Damon Heta
Chris Dobey 6-4 Gerwyn Price
Mike De Decker 6-0 Luke Humphries
Semi-Finals
Luke Littler 7-4 Stephen Bunting
Mike De Decker 7-4 Chris Dobey
Final
Luke Littler 8-4 Mike De Decker
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