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LUKE LITTLER crashed out of the Dutch Darts Masters after losing to Stephen Bunting in the semis.

The world champion was hoping to beat his rival again, having knocked Bunting out at Ally Pally earlier this month.

A darts player in a dark blue and yellow shirt stands on stage.
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Luke Littler crashed out of the Dutch Darts Masters to Stephen BuntingCredit: Kelly Deckers
A darts player celebrates a win.
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Bunting won a tense shootout 7-6 to reach the finalCredit: Kelly Deckers
Two darts players facing each other.
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The two men played out a thrilling gameCredit: Kelly Deckers

But Littler was unable to get the better of him for a second time, with Bunting going on to lose 8-5 in the final to Rob Cross.

The 18-year-old was sent packing in the semis just an hour after demolishing Michael van Gerwen in the quarters.

Littler led 3-1 at one stage before collapsing to a 7-6 defeat.

He even finished with a tournament-high average of 107.59.

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By comparison, Bunting averaged 99.55 but hit 50 per cent of his checkouts to Littler's 43.

Bunting was also able to take out an impressive finish of 125, with Littler managing just a 56.

But it was the whizz kid who hit the most 180s with seven to Bunting's five.

Fans certainly loved Bunting's epic win to set up a final against either Rob Cross, who beat Gerwyn Price 7-3 in the other semi.

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One said: "Bunting is in unreal form, joy to watch."

Another declared: "Woooow! This is unbelievable."

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2025 Toto Dutch Darts Masters semi-final results: Stephen Bunting vs. Luke Littler.

One noted: "Look what happens when Bunting plays aggressively with self-belief."

Another added: "It's a Stephen Bunting world and we just exist in it."

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