Luke Littler exits the World Grand Prix in the first round, losing 2-1 to Luke Woodhouse in Leicester. The defeat ends Littler’s defence of the title at the “first hurdle” and follows his earlier return to action at the oche after a recent period of disappointment.
On the same night, Michael van Gerwen, a six-time winner of the event, is also eliminated from the last 32. The outlets frame the result as part of a wider pattern of unexpected early exits, with both Littler and van Gerwen failing to progress beyond the opening stage.
The Guardian adds context about Littler’s mindset and recent events in the Netherlands, noting he was booed and whistled during a World Series of Darts appearance and had considered boycotting tournaments there. It also reports he missed the latest Players Championship events in Den Bosch after those experiences. Sky Sports focuses more directly on the match outcome and the simultaneous departure of van Gerwen.
