The 19-year-old world champion has now won the opening event of the European Tour for three successive seasons, having previously triumphed at the Belgian Darts Open in both 2024 and 2025.
It is a fifth European Tour title for Littler, and already a fourth trophy of 2026, following his wins at the World Championship, the World Masters, and the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters.
For Van Veen, it was a third defeat in a European Tour final, with the Dutchman still searching for a maiden title at this level despite another promising display.
The contest began at some pace. Van Veen struck first, producing a crisp 112 checkout in the second leg before delivering a moment of perfection in the fifth. Consecutive maximums left 141, which he duly dispatched to complete a nine-dart finish.
Littler responded immediately with a break of throw and thereafter asserted his control. His scoring remained relentless and finishing clinical, allowing him to edge clear at 5-3 with another break.
Van Veen’s opportunities became increasingly scarce and, when they did arise, he was unable to capitalise.
Littler, by contrast, remained composed. Another timely break of throw carried him to the brink before he closed out the victory with authority.