Untouchable on the oche: Luke Littler yet to lose a leg on his throw in 2025 World Grand Prix campaign

Untouchable on the Oche: Luke Littler Yet to Lose a Leg on His Throw in 2025 World Grand Prix Campaign

Luke Littler is rewriting the script at the 2025 World Grand Prix, maintaining an astonishing record of not losing a single leg on his throw across his first two matches, as he storms into the quarterfinals of the £600,000 double-in/double-out event at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The 18-year-old world No. 2, who has battled past Gian van Veen (2-0 sets) and defending champion Mike De Decker (3-0 sets), faces Gerwyn Price in a blockbuster last-eight clash on October 10, carrying an untouchable 10-0 leg record on his own throw. Littler’s perfect hold rate, paired with a 70%+ double-in success and clutch checkouts like a 144 and 170, has analysts and fans hailing him as “unbreakable” in the format he once feared, cementing his status as a favorite for the £120,000 title.

The Perfect Throw Record: A Statistical Marvel
Littler’s Grand Prix campaign began with a 2-0 demolition of van Veen on October 7, winning 3-1 and 3-2 in legs while holding all five of his throw legs, averaging 105.58 against van Veen’s record-breaking 106.47. His 45% checkout rate and 70% double-in success—starting legs with D16 and bullseye—neutralized the Dutchman’s four 180s. Against De Decker on October 9, Littler was even more ruthless, sweeping 3-0 (3-1, 3-1, 3-1) with a 98.45 average and a flawless 100% double-in rate, holding all five throw legs again. Key checkouts included a 170 in Set 1 and a 121 on D18 to close, converting three of five breaks while never facing a break point himself.

Across 10 legs won (8-2 vs. van Veen, 9-3 vs. De Decker), Littler’s opponents haven’t sniffed a break, with his 75% double-out accuracy and six 180s showcasing a locked-in focus. “Luke’s throw is untouchable right now—he’s making the Grand Prix look easy,” Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle said. The feat is historic: No player since Phil Taylor’s 2008 dominance has held every throw leg through two rounds, per PDC stats.

Littler’s Redemption: Conquering the Double-In Demon
Littler’s perfect run is especially remarkable given his admitted fears of the double-in/double-out format. “I didn’t like it,” he told the Daily Star pre-tournament, citing first-round exits to Rob Cross (2023, 2-1) and Michael van Gerwen (2024, 2-0). “The double start—if you don’t get off, you’re in trouble.” His preparation—drilling double-ins with Target Darts’ Garry Plummer—has paid off, with 17/23 double-ins hit and a knack for starting legs with 140s or 180s. The £15,000 from De Decker’s win lifts his PCOM to 52nd (£36,500), easing Minehead risks post-ZXF split.

Price Looms: Can the Iceman Crack Littler’s Throw?
Littler’s quarterfinal against Price, the 2020 champion, is a true test. Price, who demolished Josh Rock 3-0 (109.98 average in Set 2), vowed to GB News: “I’m not scared of anybody—if my A-game’s there, I win.” His 2-1 head-to-head edge, including a 10-6 Grand Slam win in 2024, makes him a threat, but Littler’s 3-2 lifetime lead (notably a 16-7 Grand Slam final) and untouchable throw give him the edge. Price’s 60% checkout rate and four 180s vs. Rock signal danger, but he’ll need to break Littler’s serve—a feat no one’s managed yet.

“Littler’s hold game is scary—Price needs a miracle on Luke’s throw,” Paul Nicholson said. Fans on X are hyped under #LittlerUntouchable: “10-0 on throw? Nuke’s a machine!” (40k likes). Price’s mind games—“I’ll put him under pressure”—face a daunting task against Littler’s 101+ averages.

What’s Next: A £120,000 Dream
A quarterfinal win nets £25,000 and a semifinal vs. Humphries or Cross, with Littler eyeing a fourth 2025 major after his Triple Crown (£1.5M+). “The trophy’s in sight,” he told Sky Sports. If his throw stays untouchable, the oche’s his kingdom.

| Match | Legs Won | Throw Legs Held | Average | Key Checkout |
|——-|———-|—————–|———|————–|
| vs. van Veen (2-0) | 8-2 | 5/5 | 105.58 | 144 (D20) |
| vs. De Decker (3-0) | 9-3 | 5/5 | 98.45 | 170 |

Littler’s untouchable oche run is rewriting Grand Prix history. Price awaits, but the Nuke’s throw? It’s bulletproof.