James Patrick/PDC

Incredible! Luke Littler's amazing run comes to an end at New Zealand Darts Masters

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 16, 2025 10:37 AM ET

Luke Littler has qualified for the quarterfinals of the New Zealand Darts Masters, the seventh and final tournament of the World Series of Darts 2025. This keeps Littler on course for a two out of two in the Oceanic doubleheader, after he also won the Australian Darts Masters last week. Yet there was also less good news for "The Nuke," who saw an impressive run come to an end.

Indeed, Littler saw a remarkable statistic fall apart at the New Zealand Darts Masters. The world champion found himself in action in the last 16 against New Zealander Mark Cleaver, and although he managed to win 6-4, a remarkable series was still shattered.

According to Polish medium Łączy Nas Dart, the 18-year-old failed to produce a maximum score of 180 for the first time in as many as 222 games.

In quarterfinals against Mike De Decker

Littler nevertheless recorded a solid average of 95.6. He threw 100+ fourteen times and 140+ eight times, but the triple 20 did not yield a maximum this time. Littler did not reach his usual level of finishes either: six of his thirteen attempts were successful, with a highest finish of 80.

After an early 3-1 lead, Littler struggled for a while as Cleaver came back at 4-4, but eventually pulled the match to his own. Belgian Mike De Decker awaits in the quarterfinals.

At the New Zealand Darts Masters, a prize pool of 100,000 pounds awaits, more than double that of previous editions. The winner will pocket £30,000, where previously it was £20,000.

The New Zealand Darts Masters is also the last tournament of the World Series of Darts 2025. From September 12 to 14, the World Series of Darts Finals will take place in Amsterdam. Littler won that tournament last year by defeating Michael Smith 11-4 in the final.

LITTLER KO'S CLEAVER! ☢️

Luke Littler defies a spirited display from Mark Cleaver to open his challenge for back-to-back World Series titles Down Under!

https://t.co/GENFCsv6kC #NZMasters | R1 pic.twitter.com/JMGkoYEuv9
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) August 15, 2025