Defending champion Luke Littler suffered a surprising early exit at this year’s World Grand Prix, bowing out in the opening round after a 2-1 loss to fellow Englishman Luke Woodhouse in Leicester. The upset came on the same evening that six‑time champion Michael van Gerwen was also knocked out, adding further drama to a night that will be remembered for its unexpected results. Littler started the match on a positive note, taking the first set with a steady display of darts. However, he was clearly not at his usual level; Woodhouse capitalised on several missed doubles and managed to push the opener into a deciding leg.
The momentum shifted in the second set, where Woodhouse raised his game, hitting his targets with precision and refusing to give Littler any breathing room. He carried that form into the third set, sealing a 2-1 victory that will rank among the biggest upsets in the history of the double‑in, double‑out format of the Grand Prix. Following his win, Woodhouse will meet former finalist Nathan Aspinall in the second round. Aspinall earned his place by edging past Kevin Doets in a nail‑biting final‑leg decider on the opening night, setting up a compelling second‑round clash.
Littler took to Instagram after his defeat, posting: "Well played @lukewoodly180 was a good game, good one to be apart of aswell. Both hit, both missed but Luke took his chance and nice week off now, all the best to Luke for rest of tournament." He quickly followed up with a note about his plans for the weekend, indicating that he would now turn his attention to the Super League Grand Final on Saturday, a match featuring his beloved Warrington Wolves that would have conflicted with the Grand Prix semi‑finals.
"May aswell get myself to OT [Old Trafford] now I'm out. Let's go the Wire @warringtonrlfc," he added. Woodhouse, reflecting on his victory over the teenage prodigy, said: "Luke's not a robot. He's going to have days and weeks and whatever where he's not right on it.
But people have echoed it and I'm going to say it again, he's one of a kind, Luke. I hope people will take the time to appreciate how good he is and not give him a hard time.
You might not see another Luke Littler ever again." His comments highlighted the respect he holds for Littler’s talent, even in defeat. The night was not kind to Michael van Gerwen either. The Dutch star, who was chasing a seventh Grand Prix title, suffered a third consecutive first‑round loss in the tournament. He was beaten by Ryan Joyce, who rallied from a set down to clinch the match, ending van Gerwen’s hopes of adding another trophy to his illustrious résumé.
Other notable performances included Welsh duo Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, both former Grand Prix champions (2020 and 2021 respectively). Price delivered a standout display, averaging 101.61 and dropping only a single leg in his victory over Sebastian Bialecki, earning him the "performance of the night" accolade.
Clayton, meanwhile, endured a grueling three‑set battle against Krzysztof Ratajski, one of six matches on the opening night that went the full distance. Cameron Menzies and Kevin Doets both had chances to close out their matches early but missed crucial darts. Menzies missed two darts at double‑top before Ross Smith swept him aside 3-0 in the deciding set.
Doets, on the other hand, threw away three match darts—including a wild miss at the bullseye—allowing Aspinall to prevail in a last‑leg decider in the third set. In other first‑round action, Danny Noppert burst out of the blocks, claiming five consecutive legs before Niko Springer rallied to take the second set 3‑0. The third set returned to normal service, and Noppert eventually secured the win. Wessel Nijman rounded off the evening with a comfortable 2‑0 victory over former world champion Rob Cross, setting up a second‑round encounter with Jonny Clayton.
The second round is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, with quarter‑finals on Friday, semi‑finals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday. Notably, Ross Smith revealed he almost withdrew from the tournament after a recent hospital stay. "I've had a week from hell," Smith said after his first‑round win.
"I came home and picked up some sort of virus and I've had a few issues with my heart as well. I was in hospital on Friday. I thought I was pulling out of this event on Saturday, so to be here is an achievement in itself. Let alone play and win like that, I'm very happy." Fans can continue to follow the drama live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 6 pm on Tuesday, with daily coverage continuing through to the final on Sunday.
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