“It was a bit boring at times”: Luke Littler expected more as Mike de Decker’s World Grand Prix defence falters
“It Was a Bit Boring at Times”: Luke Littler Expected More as Mike de Decker’s World Grand Prix Defense Falters
Luke Littler marched into the quarterfinals of the 2025 World Grand Prix with a clinical 3-0 sets demolition of defending champion Mike de Decker on October 9, but the world No. 2 admitted the match felt “a bit boring at times” as the Belgian failed to mount the resistance he anticipated. The 18-year-old sensation, seeded second for the £600,000 double-in/double-out event at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, dispatched de Decker 3-1, 3-1, 3-1 in legs to set up a blockbuster last-eight clash with Gerwyn Price. Averaging a steady 98.45 with five 180s and a flawless 100% on double-ins, Littler cruised to victory in 22 minutes, but his post-match candor revealed a desire for fiercer competition from the man who shocked Humphries for the 2024 crown.
A One-Sided Affair: Littler’s Routine Rout
Littler started like a house on fire, reeling off the first set 3-0 with checkouts of 95, 121, and 170 to silence the 3,000-strong crowd. De Decker, the No. 15 seed and last year’s surprise winner, showed flashes of his finishing prowess—landing a 140-finish in the second set—but couldn’t sustain momentum, dropping the opener 3-1 after Littler broke with a 100 checkout on D20. The Belgian’s doubling woes persisted (25% success rate), allowing Littler to close the third 3-1 with a 121 on D18.
“It’s tough, but I felt good out there,” Littler told Sky Sports in his on-stage interview. “Mike’s a champion—he made me work for it.” Off-camera, however, the teenager was more frank: “Mike didn’t play his best there and I just had to plod along. It was a bit boring at times because I expected something from the reigning champion and I just had to do a job.” Littler’s words, shared in a DartsNews.com presser, highlighted his showman instincts: “If my opponent’s playing as good as me on stage, then I’m going to match it… But Mike just didn’t really show up there.”
De Decker, gracious in defeat, praised his conqueror: “Luke’s the future; I gave everything, but his finishing was too good today.” The loss ends the Belgian’s title defense in the first event he’s failed to reach the last 16 since 2023, dropping him to No. 16 on the Order of Merit.
Littler’s Redemption Arc: Mastering the ‘Toughest’ Format
Littler’s performance exorcises ghosts from his Grand Prix past, where he crashed out in the first round in both 2023 (to Rob Cross) and 2024 (to van Gerwen). He had previously admitted disliking the double-start rule—”I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it”—but his opener against van Veen (2-0 sets, 105.58 average vs. the Dutchman’s record 106.47) signaled adaptation. Against de Decker, Littler hit 70% of double-ins to open legs and converted three of five breaks, landing five 180s to the Belgian’s three.
This £15,000 payday boosts Littler’s PCOM position (now 52nd with £36,500), alleviating risks from his selective Pro Tour play amid an elbow niggle. “The trophy is in sight, just a few games away,” he said, eyeing a potential £120,000 winner’s cheque. His next test is Price in the quarters—a rematch of their 2024 Grand Slam of Darts final, which Littler won 16-7.
| Player | Average | 180s | Checkout % | Outcome |
|——–|———|——|————|———|
| Luke Littler | 98.45 | 5 | 100% (D-ins) | Winner (3-0 sets) |
| Mike de Decker | 97.12 | 3 | 25% (doubles) | Loser (3-0 sets) |
De Decker’s Defense: A Champion’s Fall
De Decker, the 2024 underdog who stunned Humphries 6-4 in the final, entered as a dark horse but faltered under the weight of expectation. His doubling struggles—missing 12 of 16 attempts—mirrored a dip in form, with just one Players Championship title this year. “I didn’t bring my A-game, but Luke was too strong,” de Decker said. The loss drops him to No. 16 on the Order of Merit, but he remains a contender for Minehead’s Players Championship Finals.
Fan and Expert Buzz: “Boring? That’s Littler Being Littler”
Littler’s “boring” quip sparked amusement on social media, with #LittlerBoring trending: “Expected a war, got a whitewash—Nuke’s standards are insane!” Fans praised his honesty, while Wayne Mardle on Sky Sports noted: “Luke’s a perfectionist; even routine wins feel ‘boring’ to him.” Gerwyn Price, Littler’s quarterfinal foe, joked: “Boring? Wait till you face me—I’ll make it interesting.”
As Littler chases his fourth major of 2025, his admission reveals a champion hungry for fireworks. The Grand Prix’s “toughest” label? Littler’s making it look easy.
