LUKE LITTLER finally got off the mark at his bogey event as he thwarted his bogeyman – who recorded the World Grand Prix’s highest-ever average!
The reigning world darts champion beat Gian van Veen 2-0 in a “brilliant” first-round tie of this unique double-start major in Leicester.
GettyLuke Littler blitzed Gian van Veen despite the Dutchman’s ridiculous average[/caption]
GettyLittler overcame his past demons as he booked his spot in the last 16[/caption]
Nobody in this tournament, which started in 1998, had ever done better than Van Veen’s average of 106.47 and yet the tall Dutchman was the one packing his bags for home.
It was Littler’s first-ever victory, having bombed out in the opening hurdle 12 months ago in the East Midlands to Rob Cross.
It came the day after Littler had announced a split with his long-term manager Martin Foulds after five years together.
The Nuke hit a superb 151 checkout in leg four and then sealed the opening set in six minutes with a 86 finish – which he celebrated by punching the air.
The Sky Sports commentators could not believe their eyes, labelling the spectacle: “one of the best sets of darts you’ll ever see.”
The 18-year-old, whose preferred method to open up a leg was double tops and double 10s, secured his passage with an outstanding 144 checkout.
Van Veen simply raised his hands, shook his head and shrugged his shoulders as if to say – what could I have done better against that quality?
Littler, who averaged 105.58 across eight legs, had promised fire in this appearance and he delibered that on the oche.
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He said: “I’m very happy. I don’t think I could have done a lot better.
“It felt all good. I missed a few doubles but overall it was a good performance.
“Gian played his part in a brilliant game.
“We pushed each other every time and played our best darts. To win my first game here feels amazing.
“I played better than last time. I said in my pre-game interview, I would be a lot fiery – and I showed that.”
World Grand Prix Darts – all the info
THE World Grand Prix Darts is BACK this week!
One of the biggest events on the darting calendar is back, as thousands of fans descend on Leicester for a week of action.
The world’s best darts players will be in action, with Mike De Decker ready to defend his crown, while last year’s losing finalist, Luke Humphries, is the No 1 seed.
This is one of the few tournaments where Luke Littler has struggled, the reigning world champion failing to get past the last 32 in either 2024 or 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know about the World Grand Prix!
LIVE – FOLLOW THE WORLD GRAND PRIX AS IT HAPPENS
INFO
Tickets – how much do they cost and how can I buy?
Start time, schedule and results for the week
Rules and format – what is a double start?
How much is the prize money?
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