World Grand Prix: Van Gerwen Falls to Dutch Rival, Littler Shines
The Darts World Grand Prix in Leicester opened with a surprise burst of high-quality finishes and dramatic momentum. Six-time champion Michael van Gerwen, aiming to assert his dominance, was knocked out in the first round by fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode. In a match that showcased the thin line between brilliance and error-strewn nerves, Van Gerwen produced an inconsistent display that ended 2-0 to Van Duijvenbode. Yet in the other half of the arena, a different kind of narrative was unfolding as Luke Littler—still a rising star in the sport—delivered a memorable, high-octane performance to beat Gian van Veen and advance to the second round.
Van Gerwen’s Struggles Continue; A Cut Inside the Championship Field
Van Gerwen’s early exit adds another chapter to a period of fluctuating form. The 34-year-old Dutchman had crowned a return to form by winning a World Series Finals title against Littler in September, but his Leicester night didn’t echo that success. He registered a stunning 171 in the first leg, a reminder of the explosive scoring that once defined his dominance, but the remainder of the match did not follow this spark. An error-strewn display saw Van Gerwen concede in straight sets, leaving him with questions to answer as he exits another major event in the early rounds.
Luke Littler: A Rising Light in a High-Quality Affair
Across the board, the opening round produced darts of the highest caliber, and Littler’s performance stood out. He faced another Dutch competitor, Gian van Veen, in a clash that lasted just 11 minutes, with Littler clinching the second-round berth 2-0. The first set was particularly gripping, as Littler fought back from a deficit to take it 3-2. Both players hit averages over 100 in that set, underscoring the quality of the two youngsters as well as the pressure cooker atmosphere inside the arena.
Van Veen’s 106.47 average was the highest in World Grand Prix history for a single match, while Littler finished the match on 105.58. Yet it was Littler who held his nerve when it mattered most, transforming potential into a bona fide breakthrough moment. “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, highlighting how far he has progressed and how keen he is to chase further glory on darts’ toughest stages. “I said I would be fiery in my pre-match interview and I showed a bit of that. Hopefully this is my next major.”
Other Tuesday Results: Whose Form Boosts the Narrative?
The night also featured significant results across the board. Gerwyn Price edged Ryan Searle 2-1, while defending champion Mike de Decker defeated Peter Wright in a similarly tight 2-1 scoreline. These outcomes set up a fascinating second day as the tournament moves through its early rounds, with Littler’s progression a beacon for the sport’s next generation and Van Gerwen’s exit a reminder of the volatility at the very top of professional darts.
What’s Next for Littler and the Field
With Littler advancing, the Briton’s campaign to capture his first World Grand Prix title gains momentum. The youthful energy and clinical finishing that marked his first-round performance will be tested again as the round of 16 unfolds. For Van Gerwen, a period of reflection is likely as he plots a comeback that would silence the doubters and rekindle the eye-wanding displays that have long been his hallmark.
Wednesday’s Mindset: Heavy Hitters and New Contenders
As the field narrows, several marquee names—Cameron Menzies, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Danny Noppert, Luke Humphries, Krzysztof Ratajski, Joe Cullen, and Gary Anderson—await their next tests. The World Grand Prix continues to offer a platform where established champions and emerging talents can collide in front of a fervent crowd, with Littler’s performance a clear signal that the next era of darts could be already unfolding.
Tuesday’s results recap and the Wednesday schedule underline the event’s unpredictable, knock-out format. Fans can look forward to more blistering darts, late comebacks, and perhaps another surprise narrative as the World Grand Prix advances toward its climax.
