Ryan Searle: 2026 Belgian Darts Open — Luke Littler knocked out in third round by Niels Zonneveld
ryan searle World champion Luke Littler was knocked out of the Belgian Darts Open in the third round in Wieze on Sunday after losing 6-5 to Niels Zonneveld. Littler, 19, had been bidding for a hat-trick of wins in the event after victories in 2024 and 2025 and arrived unbeaten in 12 matches at the venue. Zonneveld, 27 and world number 39, recovered from a 3-1 deficit, missed three match darts in the 10th leg but then sealed the contest with a 147 checkout in the deciding leg.
Match key moments
The contest swung repeatedly. Littler opened strongly, taking a 3-1 lead after the first exchanges went against the throw, but Zonneveld fought back to lead 4-3. In the penultimate leg Zonneveld missed three match darts, allowing Littler to force a decider with a 136 checkout. The final-leg tension ended when Zonneveld produced a superb 147 finish to clinch a memorable 6-5 victory, ending Littler’s unbeaten run at the venue.
The result halted Littler’s 12-match streak at the Belgian Darts Open and prevented a third consecutive title defence in Wieze. The win stands out as a breakthrough on this stage for Zonneveld and marked the first time he had beaten the two-time reigning world champion at this venue.
Ryan Searle and immediate reactions
No direct post-match quotes were included in the available match coverage. Match summaries list the scoreline, the key checkouts and the reversal in momentum: Littler had been the early aggressor; Zonneveld recovered and produced the decisive finishing leg. Other names noted in the round of play include Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton, all of whom progressed to the quarter-finals later on Sunday.
Quick context and significance
This event in Wieze drew attention because Littler was defending back-to-back Belgian Darts Open titles from the previous two editions. His early exit reshuffles expectations for the evening session, with quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final scheduled to follow later the same day in Wieze. The match underlined how a single high checkout—here the 147 in the decider—can flip an outcome even after missed opportunities earlier in the tie.
What’s next
With Littler eliminated, the quarter-final field will feature Zonneveld and several established names who advanced through round three. The tournament moves into the evening session in Wieze; precise session timings were not provided in the material available (all times are referenced in Eastern Time where applicable). Attention will focus on whether Zonneveld can convert this momentum into a deeper run and on how the remaining favorites respond to the upset.
ryan searle The Belgian Darts Open outlook has shifted: a two-time reigning champion has been toppled, a standout finish will be remembered, and the evening session promises fresh storylines as the event progresses.
