Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen lose in World Grand Prix first round

Defending champion Luke Littler was eliminated in the first round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester, losing 2-1 to Luke Woodhouse.

Luke Woodhouse Upsets Luke Littler in First-Round Match

Luke Woodhouse, the world No. 18 from Worcestershire, secured a 2-1 victory over Luke Littler in the double-in, double-out format. Littler took an early lead by winning the first set 3-1, including a 106 checkout on double 15, though he appeared far from his best during the opening set.

Woodhouse shifted the momentum in the second set, leading 2-1 in legs before winning the deciding leg on a double 16. In the final set, Woodhouse moved to a 2-0 lead and eventually sealed the match on double 12. The final averages were nearly identical, with Woodhouse at 82.51 and Littler at 82.41.

Following the match, Woodhouse said that Littler is not a robot and will have weeks where he is not right on it, adding that Littler remains one of a kind.

World Champions Exit and Performance Highlights

Littler was one of three world champions to crash out in the last 32 on the opening night. Michael van Gerwen lost 2-1 to Ryan Joyce after surrendering a one-set lead. This marked a third consecutive first-round loss for van Gerwen in this tournament.

Rob Cross also suffered an early exit, losing 2-0 to the 12th seed, Wessel Nijman. In contrast, Gerwyn Price delivered a dominant performance, defeating Polish debutant Sebastian Bialecki 2-0.

Other results from the opening night included:

• Jonny Clayton advanced after he defeated Cameron Menzies.
• Danny Noppert progressed after taking a five-leg lead against Niko Springer.
• Ross Smith defeated Cameron Menzies, with Smith winning the deciding set 3-0 after Menzies missed two match darts on tops.
• Nathan Aspinall beat Kevin Doets 2-1 in a final-leg decider after Doets missed three match darts, including one at the bullseye.

Littler’s Reaction and Future Schedule

Littler addressed the loss on social media, stating that Woodhouse took his chance and wishing him the best for the rest of the tournament. He noted on Instagram that both players hit and missed, and called it a good one to be a part of as well.

The 19-year-old indicated that his exit allows him to attend the Super League Grand Final on Saturday to support the Warrington Wolves. This event would have clashed with the Grand Prix semi-finals.

This tournament return followed a difficult period for Littler, who missed recent Players Championship events in Den Bosch. Littler had previously threatened to boycott tournaments in the Netherlands after being booed and whistled during a quarter-final exit to Jonny Clayton in the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam a week ago.

Upcoming Last 16 Matchups

The second round will feature several high-profile clashes. Luke Woodhouse is scheduled to play Nathan Aspinall. Gerwyn Price will face Ross Smith, who revealed he almost pulled out of the World Grand Prix after being hospitalised in the week leading up to the event.

Wessel Nijman will face Clayton, while Ryan Joyce will compete against Danny Noppert.