Luke Littler steals the show as World Grand Prix opens with shock results
The World Grand Prix kicked off in Leicester with a dramatic twist, as young Briton Luke Littler edged into the second round in a high-quality opener that stole the headlines from a beleaguered Michael van Gerwen. Littler’s 2-0 win over fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen in an 11-minute, straight-sets demolition showcased a growing wealth of young talent while underscoring the brutal nature of darts’ premier autumn event.
Van Gerwen’s stumble continues a turbulent run
Six-time World Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen endured a chastening night, succumbing 2-0 to Dirk van Duijvenbode in a match that mixed moments of brilliance with costly errors. Van Gerwen produced a memorable 171 in the opening leg, a reminder of the level he can reach, but his overall execution betrayed him, with long spells of mis-timed darts and unforgiving finishing cost him a first-round exit for the second successive year.
Despite the lapse, the Dutch great remains a figure of immense talent and expectation. “I know I can play better,” Van Gerwen said afterward, acknowledging the stumble while steering eyes toward the rest of the tournament. The early exit adds another chapter to a career defined by peaks and troughs, and leaves fans wondering whether this season will finally yield a return to peak form for the sport’s most recognizable figure.
Littler’s breakout moment in a thriller
Luke Littler arrived in Leicester with momentum and delivered a performance that immediately signaled he is a name to watch beyond this week. In a gripping set where both players averaged over 100, Littler clawed back from a deficit to win the first set 3-2, then completed the job in straight legs for an 11-minute masterclass. The 105.58 average by Littler was matched by van Veen’s 106.47—historically high figures in the event—yet it was the Briton who advanced, a testament to composure and finishing prowess when it mattered most.
Following the match, Littler spoke glowingly about the victory and his ambitions for the event. “I am very happy. I don’t think I could have done a lot better there. I certainly played better than last year,” Littler told Sky Sports. “I said I would be fiery in my pre-match interview and I showed a bit of that. Hopefully this is my next major.” Those words set the tone for a potential breakout run in a tournament known for rewarding big moments at critical junctures.
Other notable results from Tuesday
The opening night also featured several tantalizing contests, including a 2-1 win for Gerwyn Price over Ryan Searle and a 2-1 victory for Mike de Decker against defending champion Peter Wright. Luke Woodhouse edged Damon Heta 2-1, while Daryl Gurney dispatched Ross Smith 2-0. The tournament’s format, with its unusual double-start legs, often produces unpredictable outcomes, and Tuesday’s results confirmed the depth of competition this year.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s action
With the field narrowing and the stakes rising, fans will be keen to see how Littler builds on his dramatic win and whether Van Gerwen can rebound quickly from his shock exit. Wednesday’s matches feature intriguing clashes including Cameron Menzies against Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting versus Danny Noppert, Luke Humphries against Krzysztof Ratajski, and Joe Cullen taking on Gary Anderson. The dynamics between youth and experience should provide another compelling chapter in this year’s World Grand Prix narrative.
As Leicester hosts the latest chapter in darts’ most unpredictable tournament, one thing is clear: the 2024 World Grand Prix remains a battleground where legends face the next generation, and every shot counts.
