- Darts sensation wins £1,000 top prize at Cheshire Open in Crewe
- Last week he reportedly dumped his girlfriend Eloise Milburn via text message
- Littler was also knocked out in the first round at the World Matchplay in Blackpool
Luke Littler has bounced back from an early exit at the World Matchplay and his recent split from girlfriend Eloise Milburn by winning the local darts tournament.
The 17-year-old won the men’s singles title at the Cheshire Open yesterday, earning £1,000 in prize money at The Coppenhall Club in Crewe.
The victory capped a dramatic week for the darts sensation, who struggled both on and off the oche.
Last Monday, Littler was defeated 10-6 by Michael van Gerwen in Blackpool in a much-discussed first round of the World Matchplay.
The Dutchman put in a professional performance against the teenage prodigy, silencing critics who have questioned his performance in recent weeks.
Luke Littler (pictured, at the World Championships in January) won his local darts tournament
It comes after Littler split from girlfriend Eloise Milburn (pictured with Littler in February)
Milburn was a constant presence at Littler’s side during his rise to the top of the darts world
Littler lost 10-6 to three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen (right) last Monday
It seemed that Littler could not find his rhythm, forcing Van Gerwen to take advantage of the young man’s mistakes.
Just days later, it was announced that the teenager had split from his girlfriend Eloise Milburn, with the darts fanatic reportedly ‘very upset’ by the situation.
Milburn was always present at his major matches, but the couple decided to end their 10-month relationship, which began just weeks before the start of the World Championships in December last year.
Littler’s decision to split with the 21-year-old Avon rep came “completely out of the blue.” Littler reportedly broke the news via text message.
This weekend the darts star made a much-needed comeback to winning ways and Sunday’s success followed her victory in the competition warm-up event the day before.
The event, which had a £20 entry fee, was played in a best of nine-leg format until the semi-finals and final, both of which were best of 11.
Littler posted a picture of himself holding the trophy on Instagram, saying: “A weekend away. Winning the men’s warm-up event and the Cheshire Open men’s singles, great to see all my Cheshire teammates.”
Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler posted this story on his Instagram page, urging fans to stop causing Milburn grief
Littler’s decision to split with the 21-year-old Avon representative came ‘completely out of the blue’
Milburn had previously been an avid follower of Littler’s darts career and would regularly support him at events
Littler and Milburn had a 10-month relationship that began late last year
The tournament also offered a prize fund of £250 to anyone who threw a nine-darter.
His meagre winnings last weekend are in stark contrast to the £200,000 he earned when he finished second at the World Championships at Alexandra Palace seven months ago.
Littler started the tournament ranked outside the top 100, having defeated the likes of Brendan Dolan, Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross before being defeated by Luke Humphries in January.