Luke Littler Risks Forgetting Double-In Golden Rule at World Grand Prix Amid Major Changes
Luke Littler faces a high-stakes test at the 2025 World Grand Prix, where the unique “double-in, double-out” format demands unwavering precision from the opening dart—a “golden rule” he risks breaking after admitting he “didn’t like it” in his debut last year. The 18-year-old world champion, seeded second for the £600,000 event starting October 6 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, must adapt to this “toughest tournament” rule while navigating a “big change”—his recent split from long-time management team ZXF, announced just hours before his opener against Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen.
The Double-In Golden Rule: A Format That Punishes Mistakes
The World Grand Prix’s signature rule requires players to hit a double (or bullseye) to start scoring in every leg, unlike standard PDC events where any dart begins play. Miss it, and the turn “busts” with no points, handing momentum to the opponent—a risk Littler highlighted after his 2024 first-round exit to Rob Cross (2-1 in sets). “I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the double start,” he confessed at a Target Darts event, calling it one of darts’ “toughest” challenges alongside the Worlds and Matchplay.
The format, unchanged since 1998, favors precision players like defending champion Mike De Decker, who shocked Humphries 6-4 last year. Littler, with his explosive 102+ averages, risks early disruption if he forgets the rule, especially after rust from his elbow-forced PC 28 withdrawal.
The Big Change: Management Split Adds Pressure
Compounding the format risk is Littler’s “big change”—his October 6 announcement splitting from ZXF Management after five years. The amicable parting with Martin Foulds, who guided him since his Tour Card debut, aims for new representation to handle his busier schedule and endorsements (£1.5M+ earnings). “As my career moves forward… we’ve agreed it’s the right time,” Littler posted, thanking them for “amazing times.” Speculation points to Modus Sports (Taylor’s ex-team), but the timing—pre-opener vs. van Veen—could distract amid his PCOM vulnerability (tied 58th, £21,000).
Van Veen Opener: A Youth Clash with Stakes
Littler’s Tuesday tie against van Veen, the 20-year-old 2024 World Youth Champion, is a “fascinating” opener per Glen Durrant. Van Veen leads recent H2H 2-1, including a 110-average win, and Nicholson’s warning of Littler “in trouble” heightens the pressure. A win opens paths to van Gerwen or Humphries, where mastering the rule is key to the £120,000 prize.
Fans and analysts buzz with anticipation, with #LittlerGP trending: “Double-in or bust for The Nuke—management change adds spice.” Littler’s adaptation could define his Grand Prix fate—breaking the rule risks an early exit in darts’ trickiest test.
