Darts star Mike de Decker pocketed a handsome four-figure sum at a poker tournament just days after getting dumped out of the Grand Slam of Darts by .

The teenage sensation came from 8-4 down in the first to 10 contest, taking the match and progressing into the event's quarter-final with a slender 10-9 win.

Littler would go on to win the tournament held in Wolverhampton, .

De Decker didn't leave the Grand Slam completely empty-handed though, with his exploits in reaching the last 16 earning him a handsome £12,500.

However, the darts ace didn't waste any time before flying back to his native Belgium to compete in a poker tournament, which he ended up winning.

According to Pokahnights Antwerp's social media page, De Decker won a cool £2,800 (€3,380) for his participation in the event.

It proved the perfect tonic for the 28-year-old's disappointing Littler defeat - one which stirred up plenty of controversy.

De Decker was unhappy referee Kirk Bevin failed to address whistling directed towards him during the key points of last week's match-up.

He told Viaplay: "I asked Kirk Bevin to address the crowd, but he wouldn't even do that. Why is he even there then?"

Bevin did respond to the criticism, taking to X to .

Responding to a post from Sky Sports reporter Abigail Davis, Bevin said: "Hear hear. The crowd just get worse when referees address the crowd. John McDonald even addressed the crowd in the break once regarding this and they got worse.

"If you see someone whistling, report it to security and get them kicked out."

A major winner in his own right, De Decker was understandably frustrated by the hostile crowd treatment in favour of Littler.

Littler also recognised this post-match, telling Sky Sports: "A few times they were singing there is only one Luke Littler. I just couldn't find what they wanted, I couldn't find that two, three-treble visit.

"But at 9-7, I just thought to myself, 'you have got nothing to lose', so try and get back at him and I got one back, and the crowd obviously they were on his back even worse. Then I just took full advantage."

De Decker, Littler and the rest of the darts circus return to action this weekend for the Players Championship Finals held in Minehead.

Having been drawn in the same section of the draw, Littler and De Decker will meet at the quarter-final stage, should they make it that far.