In a stunning upset at the 2026 Belgian Darts Open, world champion Luke Littler was eliminated by Niels Zonneveld in the third round. The match ended with a close score of 6-5 in favor of the Dutch player. This defeat marked a significant moment for the 19-year-old Englishman, who had been undefeated in 12 previous matches within the tournament.
Niels Zonneveld’s Comeback
Zonneveld, currently ranked world number 39, faced a challenging start. He fell behind 3-1 against Littler after several early legs went against his throw. However, the Dutchman showcased exceptional resilience, bouncing back to take control with a 4-3 lead.
Key Match Highlights
- Luke Littler had been seeking a third consecutive title after wins in 2024 and 2025.
- This was Littler’s first loss in a ranking event since October 2025.
- Niels Zonneveld, aged 27, missed three match darts in the tenth leg.
- Littler capitalized on Zonneveld’s mistake with a spectacular 136 checkout.
- The final leg saw Zonneveld sealing his victory with an impressive 147 finish.
Quarter-Final Outlook
Following this thrilling encounter, notable players including Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Jonny Clayton advanced to the quarter-finals on Sunday. The competition continues to heat up as the tournament progresses.
