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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 Australian Darts Masters predictions
2025 Australian Darts Masters predictions originally appeared on The Sporting News The Australian Darts Masters is almost here. It's the second-to-last chance for players to collect prize money and change their positioning on the World Series of Darts order of merit before the World Series of Darts finals in September. That could motivate the players a little bit extra, likely leading to the cream of the crop making deep tournament runs. Will there be any upsets? Can any non-tour cardholder threaten PDC representatives? All of that will be covered in this article. 2025 Australian Darts Masters predictions Let's start out with the likely favorites that could come out on top Saturday night. MORE: PDC representatives announced for Australian Darts Masters and New Zealand Darts Masters Favorites Gerwyn Price is last year's event winner, and with how great he's been in the last few months, it's hard not to have him up there as a favorite. His half of the bracket consists of names like Luke Humphries, Chris Dobey, and Mike De Decker. Those are all talented players, but recent form suggests no reason as to why Price can't compete with the best and at least make it to the semifinals. The same applies to Luke Humphries. He won the U.S. Darts Masters several weeks ago, but did have a rough performance at the World Matchplay last month, losing in the first round to Gian van Veen. Josh Rock could very well make a run in his first World Series of Darts appearance, but got one of the toughest draws for a PDC player, having to face Australian legend Simon Whitlock. Rock fell short against Luke Littler in the semifinal at the World Matchplay, but still played very well and tends to play well in shorter format games, as we've seen on the ProTour over the past few years. Luke Littler always has to be considered as a favorite, especially when he just won the second biggest major of the year. He's struggled a bit to succeed on the World Series of Darts stage in 2025 for whatever reason, but he'll always be in the mix for any tournament he competes in. MORE: When does Luke Littler play at 2025 Australian Darts Masters? Upsets As I mentioned, Josh Rock is carrying some great momentum into this tournament after recent performances at the World Matchplay and World Cup of Darts. He has his work cut out for him, though, as Simon Whitlock, although out of his prime, is not an opponent to take lightly. Whitlock's consistency is his biggest issue, but he has still shown periods of dominant play where he can average 90+ and win games. Haupai Puha is one of the better regional qualifiers in the tournament this year, but has a tough opponent in Luke Littler for the first round. At the U.S. Darts Masters, we saw Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting get sent home in the first round by two Americans that most wouldn't have expected to move on to the quarterfinal round. An upset isn't expected in the Puha/Littler game, but there's always a possibility in these short-formatted games. MORE DARTS ARTICLES: 2025 Australian Darts Masters: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained Greatest Darts players of all time from Australia and New Zealand Explaining the significance of the World Series of Darts What PDC darts events/tournaments are happening in August?
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Woe is you' – Luke Littler savaged by announcer for interview after winning Australian Darts Masters
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARTS sensation Luke Littler was on the receiving end of a cheeky dig from the announcer following his Australian Darts Masters victory. The 18-year-old added to his trophy cabinet on Saturday with victory over Mike De Decker. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Luke Littler enjoyed a funny back and forth with the announcer following his Australian Darts Masters win Credit: PA 3 The trophy is Littler's fourth world series accolade at age just 18 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial He beat the Dutch thrower 8-4 to secure his fourth World Series title. But not all was well in the world of Littler based on his post-match interview. When asked what his plans were between his win and the New Zealand event next weekend, he said he would sleep. "We don't have it easy us darts players," he joked. READ MORE ON DARTS LITTLE HOP Littler jumping for joy at doing 'things that we probably won't ever do again' The announcer snapped back with his own tongue in cheek response, quipping "woe is you" at the teenager. Sleep, or lack thereof, has been a recurring theme for the English thrower during his tournaments Down Under. In an interview earlier in the tournament, he relayed his troubles with remaining fully awake at the oche. Littler said: "People don't see behind the scenes but body clock, [I've] not been sleeping too much over here, but I am just getting used to it now." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 3 Littler's sleep struggles were previously brought up in an ITV interview where he said he was actively trying to stay awake on stage Credit: ITV His plan to remain prepared for the rest of the tournament was short but sweet, and clearly ended up working for him. He added: "Get some good sleep tonight and try to stay awake as much as possible." Luke Littler responds to calls for him to retire after Australian Darts Masters Littler's meteoric rise in the world of darts has seen him build up quite the trophy cabinet, and bank account, since his debut two years ago. His victory in Australia means he bags the £30,000 top prize. But that is just a drop in the ocean of his career earnings, with his net worth reportedly exceeding £1.5million, including over £1m in winnings from 2024 alone.
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘It's not fun anymore' – Luke Littler told to RETIRE aged 18 after Australian Darts Masters
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER was told he needs to RETIRE after winning the Australian Darts Masters. The teen sensation beat Mike De Decker 8-4 in the final in Wollongong on Saturday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Luke Littler was told he needs to retire after winning the Australian Darts Masters Credit: John Walton/PA Wire 2 Mike De Decker joked on stage that Littler 'needs to retire because it's not fun anymore' Credit:Littler, 18, picked up his first World Series title of the year and £20,000 prize money before his Belgian rival joked on stage 'he needs to retire because it's not fun anymore'. On quitting, The Nuke smiled: 'Nope, not yet!' Littler also produced a cheeky new headshake and swagger before throwing after getting some stick from the Aussie fans. He explained: 'From the first game there was a group to my right and then in the final every time I didn't hit a treble, they were like 'rubbish, rubbish'. Someone said I was 'washed'. 'Not sure what he meant. Obviously I'd just won. The darts did the talking.' Littler was in total control of the final, hitting six 180s in the opening six legs and led 4-2 thanks to a wonderful 143 finish. A bull checkout put him 7-4 in front and he soon wrapped it up with double 16. He said: 'I played really well tonight. I didn't play too well last night. But tonight was what really mattered. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'I knew if I won the first game it would be a very long night. I'm very happy. 'It's been quite a while since I won on the World Series. To travel all this way I wanted to win. Especially after just falling short in the final last year. Luke Littler savaged by announcer for interview after winning Australian Darts Masters 'Any losing final motivates me. You always want to come back and do one better. 'As a world champion you need to be winning things. It took five months but to go and win at the Matchplay and now I've won here as well. I've got that winning feeling back in me.' De Decker picked up £10,000 and beat an unwell Luke Humphries 6-0 in the quarters on the way to the final. He said: 'People said I didn't deserve it so I'm really happy I got a trophy now. 'I'm just happy to get to the final. I'm glad I showed I'm still able to play my A game. "There's been some ups and downs this year. Reaching the final in this tournament is a big confidence boost.'
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Goldflinger: Darts phenomenon lights up the Gong
World champion Luke Littler has demonstrated his phenomenal teenage talent in Wollongong by winning the star-studded Australian Darts Masters. A year after being humbled in the final of the biggest invitation event to be played in Australia, the 18-year-old this time made no mistake, winning all three of his matches convincingly on Saturday night to lift yet another big title. He also crushed Damon Heta's homecoming dream as he hammered Australia's top player, the world No.10, in the quarter-finals. After defeating 'The Heat' Heta 6-3 in the last eight and Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semis, Littler outplayed Belgian Mike De Decker to win the final 8-4. In 2024, Littler had lost in the showdown 8-1 to former world champ Gerwyn Price, so was determined to put on a show for his Australian fans on his second visit. "It feels very good. It's another one I can tick off," Littler said after winning a World Series event for the first time in six attempts this year. "I played very well tonight. I didn't play so well last night in the first round but tonight is when it really matters. "It's not gone to plan this year in the World Series but there are plenty of opportunities to win and I've finally picked one up," added Littler, who's been in superlative form in other events, particularly with his victories in the Premier League and recent World he's after a trans-Tasman double when he moves on to the New Zealand Darts Masters. "A few days off and then Auckland, I can't wait," he said of next weekend's event. The frightening thing for his opponents is that Littler prevailed at the WIN Sports and Entertainments Centre without ever quite hitting his very best form. Perth ace Heta, who had held high hopes of toppling Littler after averaging nearly 110 in his first-round match on Friday, just couldn't hit those heights again, and the teenager made him pay by reeling off three straight legs from 3-3 to move into the semis, including a 104 checkout in the penultimate the semis, there was some more magic from 'Luke the Nuke' as he pulled off the biggest finish of the tournament, a maximum 170 'big fish' checkout on the way to beating Bunting. In the final, Littler was always in control once he produced two fantastic legs, one featuring a 143 checkout and the next an 11-darter. It all left De Decker sighing with a rueful smile: "He needs to retire because it's not fun any more..." World champion Luke Littler has demonstrated his phenomenal teenage talent in Wollongong by winning the star-studded Australian Darts Masters. A year after being humbled in the final of the biggest invitation event to be played in Australia, the 18-year-old this time made no mistake, winning all three of his matches convincingly on Saturday night to lift yet another big title. He also crushed Damon Heta's homecoming dream as he hammered Australia's top player, the world No.10, in the quarter-finals. After defeating 'The Heat' Heta 6-3 in the last eight and Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semis, Littler outplayed Belgian Mike De Decker to win the final 8-4. In 2024, Littler had lost in the showdown 8-1 to former world champ Gerwyn Price, so was determined to put on a show for his Australian fans on his second visit. "It feels very good. It's another one I can tick off," Littler said after winning a World Series event for the first time in six attempts this year. "I played very well tonight. I didn't play so well last night in the first round but tonight is when it really matters. "It's not gone to plan this year in the World Series but there are plenty of opportunities to win and I've finally picked one up," added Littler, who's been in superlative form in other events, particularly with his victories in the Premier League and recent World he's after a trans-Tasman double when he moves on to the New Zealand Darts Masters. "A few days off and then Auckland, I can't wait," he said of next weekend's event. The frightening thing for his opponents is that Littler prevailed at the WIN Sports and Entertainments Centre without ever quite hitting his very best form. Perth ace Heta, who had held high hopes of toppling Littler after averaging nearly 110 in his first-round match on Friday, just couldn't hit those heights again, and the teenager made him pay by reeling off three straight legs from 3-3 to move into the semis, including a 104 checkout in the penultimate the semis, there was some more magic from 'Luke the Nuke' as he pulled off the biggest finish of the tournament, a maximum 170 'big fish' checkout on the way to beating Bunting. In the final, Littler was always in control once he produced two fantastic legs, one featuring a 143 checkout and the next an 11-darter. It all left De Decker sighing with a rueful smile: "He needs to retire because it's not fun any more..." World champion Luke Littler has demonstrated his phenomenal teenage talent in Wollongong by winning the star-studded Australian Darts Masters. A year after being humbled in the final of the biggest invitation event to be played in Australia, the 18-year-old this time made no mistake, winning all three of his matches convincingly on Saturday night to lift yet another big title. He also crushed Damon Heta's homecoming dream as he hammered Australia's top player, the world No.10, in the quarter-finals. After defeating 'The Heat' Heta 6-3 in the last eight and Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semis, Littler outplayed Belgian Mike De Decker to win the final 8-4. In 2024, Littler had lost in the showdown 8-1 to former world champ Gerwyn Price, so was determined to put on a show for his Australian fans on his second visit. "It feels very good. It's another one I can tick off," Littler said after winning a World Series event for the first time in six attempts this year. "I played very well tonight. I didn't play so well last night in the first round but tonight is when it really matters. "It's not gone to plan this year in the World Series but there are plenty of opportunities to win and I've finally picked one up," added Littler, who's been in superlative form in other events, particularly with his victories in the Premier League and recent World he's after a trans-Tasman double when he moves on to the New Zealand Darts Masters. "A few days off and then Auckland, I can't wait," he said of next weekend's event. The frightening thing for his opponents is that Littler prevailed at the WIN Sports and Entertainments Centre without ever quite hitting his very best form. Perth ace Heta, who had held high hopes of toppling Littler after averaging nearly 110 in his first-round match on Friday, just couldn't hit those heights again, and the teenager made him pay by reeling off three straight legs from 3-3 to move into the semis, including a 104 checkout in the penultimate the semis, there was some more magic from 'Luke the Nuke' as he pulled off the biggest finish of the tournament, a maximum 170 'big fish' checkout on the way to beating Bunting. In the final, Littler was always in control once he produced two fantastic legs, one featuring a 143 checkout and the next an 11-darter. It all left De Decker sighing with a rueful smile: "He needs to retire because it's not fun any more..." World champion Luke Littler has demonstrated his phenomenal teenage talent in Wollongong by winning the star-studded Australian Darts Masters. A year after being humbled in the final of the biggest invitation event to be played in Australia, the 18-year-old this time made no mistake, winning all three of his matches convincingly on Saturday night to lift yet another big title. He also crushed Damon Heta's homecoming dream as he hammered Australia's top player, the world No.10, in the quarter-finals. After defeating 'The Heat' Heta 6-3 in the last eight and Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semis, Littler outplayed Belgian Mike De Decker to win the final 8-4. In 2024, Littler had lost in the showdown 8-1 to former world champ Gerwyn Price, so was determined to put on a show for his Australian fans on his second visit. "It feels very good. It's another one I can tick off," Littler said after winning a World Series event for the first time in six attempts this year. "I played very well tonight. I didn't play so well last night in the first round but tonight is when it really matters. "It's not gone to plan this year in the World Series but there are plenty of opportunities to win and I've finally picked one up," added Littler, who's been in superlative form in other events, particularly with his victories in the Premier League and recent World he's after a trans-Tasman double when he moves on to the New Zealand Darts Masters. "A few days off and then Auckland, I can't wait," he said of next weekend's event. The frightening thing for his opponents is that Littler prevailed at the WIN Sports and Entertainments Centre without ever quite hitting his very best form. Perth ace Heta, who had held high hopes of toppling Littler after averaging nearly 110 in his first-round match on Friday, just couldn't hit those heights again, and the teenager made him pay by reeling off three straight legs from 3-3 to move into the semis, including a 104 checkout in the penultimate the semis, there was some more magic from 'Luke the Nuke' as he pulled off the biggest finish of the tournament, a maximum 170 'big fish' checkout on the way to beating Bunting. In the final, Littler was always in control once he produced two fantastic legs, one featuring a 143 checkout and the next an 11-darter. It all left De Decker sighing with a rueful smile: "He needs to retire because it's not fun any more..."
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Woe is you' – Luke Littler savaged by announcer for interview after winning Australian Darts Masters
DARTS sensation Luke Littler was on the receiving end of a cheeky dig from the announcer following his Australian Darts Masters victory. The 18-year-old added to his trophy cabinet on Saturday with victory over Mike De Decker. 3 He beat the Dutch thrower 8-4 to secure his fourth World Series title. But not all was well in the world of Littler based on his post-match interview. When asked what his plans were between his win and the New Zealand event next weekend, he said he would sleep. "We don't have it easy us darts players," he joked. The announcer snapped back with his own tongue in cheek response, quipping "woe is you" at the teenager. Sleep, or lack thereof, has been a recurring theme for the English thrower during his tournaments Down Under. In an interview earlier in the tournament, he relayed his troubles with remaining fully awake at the oche. Littler said: "People don't see behind the scenes but body clock, [I've] not been sleeping too much over here, but I am just getting used to it now." 3 His plan to remain prepared for the rest of the tournament was short but sweet, and clearly ended up working for him. He added: "Get some good sleep tonight and try to stay awake as much as possible." Luke Littler responds to calls for him to retire after Australian Darts Masters Littler's meteoric rise in the world of darts has seen him build up quite the trophy cabinet, and bank account, since his debut two years ago. His victory in Australia means he bags the £30,000 top prize. But that is just a drop in the ocean of his career earnings, with his net worth reportedly exceeding £1.5million, including over £1m in winnings from 2024 alone.
