Luke Littler Triumphs in Thriller as Michael van Gerwen Falls at Darts Grand Prix
In a thrilling upset at the World Grand Prix, six-time champion Michael van Gerwen faced an unexpected first-round exit, falling to compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode. In contrast, young prodigy Luke Littler secured his spot in the second round with an impressive victory over Gian van Veen.
Michael van Gerwen’s Early Exit
Van Gerwen, a seasoned player and the world number three, had a challenging match. Despite showcasing his talent with a remarkable 171 checkout in the first leg, he struggled throughout the game. This disappointing performance led to a 2-0 defeat against van Duijvenbode, marking his second consecutive early exit from the tournament.
Luke Littler Shines in the First Round
Luke Littler, on the other hand, demonstrated exceptional skill and composure. His match against Gian van Veen lasted just 11 minutes, ending in a straight-set win. In the first set, both players delivered stellar averages exceeding 100. Littler overcame an early deficit to clinch the set 3-2.
Outstanding Averages
- Gian van Veen: 106.47 average (highest in tournament history)
- Luke Littler: 105.58 average
Littler expressed his excitement following the match, stating, “I am very happy. I don’t think I could have done a lot better there. I certainly played better than last year.” He conveyed his confidence, hinting at aspirations for his first World Grand Prix title.
Other Notable Match Results
Several other matches took place on the same day, with notable results including:
- Gerwyn Price defeated Ryan Searle, 2-1
- Mike de Decker edged past Peter Wright, 2-1
- Daryl Gurney won against Ross Smith, 2-0
The tournament continues with upcoming matches, featuring players such as Cameron Menzies and Rob Cross. As the competition intensifies, fans eagerly anticipate the next stages of the World Grand Prix.
