Luke Littler denies record-breaker Gian van Veen in World Grand Prix thriller as Van Duijvenbode dumps out Van Gerwen

Luke Littler produced a sensational display to defy a record-breaking effort from Gian van Veen in the opening round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester on Tuesday.

Littler had lost his previous three meetings with Van Veen, but halted that streak in a pulsating, ten-minute tie at the Mattioli Arena.

Van Veen recorded the highest average in World Grand Prix history, eclipsing Alan Warriner-Little’s 24-year-long record of 106.45 with an average of 106.47.

However, the World Youth Champion was only afforded only two legs by a merciless Littler, who wrapped up a straight sets victory with a 144 checkout.

“We definitely bring the best out of each other,” said Littler, who averaged 105.6.

“Gian played his part in a brilliant game, but to get my first win on this stage feels amazing.

“Anything can happen in double-start, so hopefully I can perform like I did tonight in round two. I’ll be ready!”

Littler will now take on Mike De Decker in Round Two, after the Belgian launched his title defence with a comeback win over 2018 runner-up Peter Wright.

The struggling Scot started strongly to clinch the opening set against throw, but only for De Decker to turn the tide with a sublime 152 checkout midway through set two – paving the way for an impressive fightback.

“It was a shaky start, but I played well in the final two sets,” reflected De Decker.

“I was really nervous in the first set, because I’ve never had the experience of defending a title before, but it was also a nice feeling. I had goosebumps coming back here!”

Wright was one of four seeds to bow out on Day Two, with six-time champion Michael van Gerwen also suffering an early exit against his Dutch compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode.

Van Duijvenbode, World Grand Prix runner-up in 2020, was threatening a whitewash win at one stage, before condemning Van Gerwen to a second successive first round defeat in the double-start major.

Van Duijvenbode’s next assignment will be a meeting with Daryl Gurney, after the 2017 champion overcame former European Champion Ross Smith for the loss of just one leg.

Gerwyn Price and Josh Rock will renew their rivalry in a captivating clash on Thursday, after kicking off their title challenges with wins over Ryan Searle and Ryan Joyce respectively.

2020 champion Price defied a rip-roaring start from Searle to prevail in a deciding-set thriller, landing finishes of 94, 104 and 138 to sink the Somerset star – who hit five 180s in defeat.

Rock also overturned an early deficit to clinch his maiden victory on the World Grand Prix stage, wrapping up proceedings with a 108 finish in a tense deciding leg.

Jonny Clayton, the 2021 champion, halted his six-match losing run against Andrew Gilding with a routine straight sets success to set up a meeting with Luke Woodhouse in the Last 16.

Woodhouse produced an extraordinary recovery to win through a last-leg shoot-out against Damon Heta – extending the Australian’s winless record on the World Grand Prix stage to five matches.

Having missed seven darts at starting doubles in the deciding, Woodhouse launched a stunning late revival, crashing in back-to-back 180s and converting a clinical 90 checkout to seal his progress.

BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix 2025 Day Two Results

Tuesday October 7

First Round

Damon Heta 1-2 Luke Woodhouse
Ross Smith 0-2 Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton 2-0 Andrew Gilding
Gerwyn Price 2-1 Ryan Searle
Luke Littler 2-0 Gian van Veen
Michael van Gerwen 0-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Peter Wright 1-2 Mike De Decker
Josh Rock 2-1 Ryan Joyce