LUKE LITTLER got his teeth into a FOURTH European Tour title – just 72 hours after having emergency dental treatment.
The teen sensation beat Josh Rock in an 8-7 last-leg decider thriller to win the Flanders Trophy in Antwerp tonight.
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But Littler, 18, almost didn’t make it to the event after undergoing surgery in the early hours of Friday morning.
However, he showed no ill effects to pick up £30,000 and his third Euro win in Belgium in two years.
Rock saved the match with a wonderful 161 finish to force the last-leg shootout.
But The Nuke delivered under pressure yet again.
He said: “I think I started off okay.
“When Josh hit the 161, it wasn’t a good feeling!
“But I knew I had to break and win the game.
“Ever since I’ve been playing darts, it might sound crazy but I just love a last-leg decider.
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“I back myself near enough every time, whether it’s against or with the darts. I had to go out on 11 there.
“I love coming here and I’ve said for the past year now, we need a Premier League here. We need to give these guys a league night.”
The pair had met in the World Matchplay semi-final last month and delivered the first-ever perfect leg of darts with Littler hitting a nine.
And it was another high-quality affair in Belgium.
Littler trailed but reeled off four successive legs to lead 6-5.
Rock fought back and the outstanding 161 forced the decider.
However, Littler averaged 107.40 and delivered a powerhouse 11-dart final leg to break throw and wrap it up with a 96 checkout.
Rock won £12,000 and said: “He’s not officially world No1 yet but he will be soon.
“He’s the world champion and knows how to win games.
“I’m always a bit too hard on myself but I maybe should have done better.”
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