‘Back with a bang’: Littler beats Humphries to win Czech Darts Open

Luke Littler defeated Luke Humphries 8-6 in Sunday’s final to win the 2026 Czech Darts Open, denying the world number two a record-extending fourth title in Prague and securing his sixth European Tour crown.

It was Littler’s first European Tour appearance since March’s Belgian Darts Open, but the 19-year-old showed little sign of rust as he produced a string of impressive performances on his way to the title.

Littler hits top form in Prague

Littler began his campaign with a 108.59 average against Niko Springer, a repeat of their World Matchplay meeting in July.

He then overcame Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 before producing one of the most dominant performances of the tournament in the quarter-finals.

A 6-0 demolition of Danny Noppert, featuring a 102.48 average, sent Littler into the last four, where he faced fellow darts superstar Michael van Gerwen.

Littler continued his excellent form against Van Gerwen, winning 7-3 with an impressive 106.64 average.

His semi-final display included an 11-darter, a spectacular 167 checkout on the bull and a 76 finish as he booked his place in the final.

Waiting for him was Humphries, the man he had partnered alongside to World Cup glory, setting up a meeting between two of the biggest names in the sport.

Littler turns final around

The final took some time to burst into life, with Humphries initially looking the more composed of the two.

He produced checkouts of 110, 88 and 92 to move 3-2 ahead, before an 11-darter in the seventh leg appeared to put him firmly in control.

Littler, however, had other ideas.

The teenager responded with back-to-back 12-darters, with the second featuring a brilliant 130 checkout on the bull.

Suddenly, a match that had looked to be going Humphries’ way had been turned completely on its head, with Littler opening up a 7-4 advantage.

Humphries refused to give up and produced another 11-darter to close the gap to 7-6.

But with the finish line in sight, the world number two was unable to take his chance.

Humphries missed two darts at double 16 that would have forced a deciding leg, and Littler made no mistake when his opportunity arrived.

He found double 10 to seal the victory and complete another European Tour title.

‘I’m back with a bang’

Despite the 8-6 scoreline, the statistics underlined just how close the contest had been.

Littler finished with an average of 95.25, narrowly ahead of Humphries’ 94.81.

Afterwards, the champion reflected on his return to the European Tour.

“It was a good game. This is what the fans are in for; me and Luke are back. The two best going at it in a final once again.”

“I’m glad I’ve won. It’s good to be back, and I’m back with a bang.”

Littler also admitted that the long days on the European Tour are made worthwhile by moments like this.

“These long days are worth it, especially lifting the trophy. I think I’ve secured my place in Dortmund. Dortmund is the one I’m chasing.”

The victory also confirms Littler’s place at next month’s European Championship in Germany.

Humphries battles through injury concern

Humphries’ run to the final was particularly impressive given that he had been considering withdrawing from the tournament just days earlier.

The world champion revealed that he had contemplated pulling out on Thursday because of an injury concern, but battled through to reach his fourth European Tour final in his last five appearances.

His run began with a victory over Beau Greaves, where Humphries averaged just under 109.

He then defeated Andrew Gilding before overcoming William O’Connor 6-3 in the quarter-finals.

A 7-4 semi-final victory over Gerwyn Price booked Humphries’ place in the final. He produced crucial checkouts of 105, 104 and 119 before Price fought back to 5-4.

Humphries held his nerve, finishing the match with 71 on tops to reach another European Tour final.

Despite falling short against Littler, Humphries left Prague with the £15,000 runner-up prize.

“It’s been a great run for me, making four out of five finals,” Humphries said.

“I was going to pull out on Thursday, and I made the final, so I can’t be too upset with myself because I did really well.”

The world champion also praised the Czech fans and explained why Prague remains one of his favourite stops on the European Tour.

“I’m happy that I’ve had a good run and come back to see these amazing people, the fans; they’re just amazing. That’s why I’ll be here every year.”

“It’s my favourite Euro Tour on the calendar. They’re so respectful, it’s amazing. I never give up, especially in finals.”

Humphries also warned that Littler will have to work hard if he is to dominate the sport over the coming months.

“I know that Luke is obviously going to throw everything at me; that 130 was a big shot. Hopefully over the next four months I push him.”

“If he does the clean sweep, he has to do it the hard way.”

Price and Van Gerwen fall short

Elsewhere in Prague, Gerwyn Price reached the semi-finals after cruising past Cameron Menzies 6-1 before defeating Hungarian Darts Trophy champion Ross Smith in the quarter-finals.

Van Gerwen also produced a comeback of his own, recovering to beat Wessel Nijman before overcoming Jonny Clayton to reach his first European Tour semi-final since March.

There were also some impressive performances earlier in the tournament.

Noppert produced one of the comebacks of the event, hitting seven maximums as he recovered from 4-0 and 5-3 down to defeat Luke Woodhouse.

O’Connor, meanwhile, needed a deciding leg to overcome Josh Rock at the same stage.

But ultimately, the weekend belonged to Littler.

After months away from the European Tour, he returned to Prague, battled through a stacked draw and defeated his biggest rival in the final.

Littler is back — and he returned with a bang.