‘I didn’t like it’ – Luke Littler makes World Grand Prix admission ahead of ‘toughest tournament’
Luke Littler Admits Dislike for World Grand Prix Format Ahead of ‘Toughest Tournament’
Luke Littler has opened up about his reservations regarding the World Grand Prix, confessing he “didn’t like it” during his previous appearance due to the unique double-start rule, while labeling it one of the “toughest tournaments to win” in darts. The 18-year-old world champion, seeded second for the £600,000 event starting October 6 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, faces a stern test against Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen in the first round, where the double-in/double-out format could expose any rust from his recent elbow issues.
The Admission: Double-Start Frustrations
Littler, speaking at the launch of a Target Darts pop-up shop in Manchester, was candid about his debut in 2024, where he exited in the first round to Rob Cross: “I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the double start.” The rule requires players to hit a double (or bullseye) to start scoring in each leg, a mechanic that can lead to early “busts” and disrupt rhythm—unlike standard PDC events. Littler, who has dominated standard formats with 102+ averages, views it as a leveller: “If you don’t get off, then you’re in trouble.”
He ranks it among the sport’s elite challenges, alongside the Worlds, Matchplay, and Premier League: “I think it’s obviously one of the toughest tournaments to win.” Past entrants like Mike De Decker (2024 winner) and Humphries have thrived, but Littler’s early exits (first-round losses in 2023 and 2024) underscore the hurdle.
Facing van Veen: A Tough Opener
Littler’s first-round draw pits him against van Veen, a 20-year-old Dutch talent and 2024 World Youth Champion, in a best-of-five sets tie on October 7. Van Veen has beaten Littler in their last two European Tour meetings, including a 110-average performance, and Nicholson’s analysis flags him as a “fascinating” threat who “is not frightened of Luke.” A victory would lead to the winner of Michael van Gerwen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode, testing Littler’s adaptation.
Littler’s admission adds intrigue to his title quest, as he plans to practice the double start more to adapt. The £120,000 winner’s prize awaits the one who masters the “toughest” test.
