LUKE LITTLER hopes to avoid double trouble in Leicester as he preps for his least favourite darts experience of the year.
The World Grand Prix begins on Monday at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester and Littler, unofficially the best player on the planet, is title favourite with the bookies.
Yet this oche event – which was held in Dublin for 19 years – is unique on the circuit because the 501-leg countdown can only begin once a player has thrown a DOUBLE.
Littler, who is chasing Luke Humphries’ world No.1 spot this winter, has won six of the ten PDC premier events since turning professional in January 2024.
But he admits he dislikes the one-off double-in, double-out format.On his first appearance at the Grand Prix 12 months ago, The Nuke was humbled 2-1 in sets by Rob Cross in round one.
On Tuesday evening, he faces bogey player Gian van Veen in what he calls his bogey tournament.
Littler, who played an exhibition in Skegness on Saturday night, said: “Obviously it’s the next big one for me. But I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it last time.
“I didn’t like the double start. It’s one of the toughest tournaments to win.
“There is the World Championship, the Matchplay, the Premier League. But the double start – if you don’t get off, then you’re in trouble!
“I can’t say I really practice the double start often but obviously leading up to it, I think I’ll have to – just to get used to it.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“Every year we’ll see someone hit a treble 20 first out and then they forget.
“It’ll be tough. But we’ve still got plenty of darts to play this year.”
Legendary Phil Taylor won this event a record 11 times before retirement in 2018 and the next best is Michael van Gerwen, a six-time champion, whose last triumph came in 2022.
In Littler’s last TV appearance, he was beaten 11-7 by Van Gerwen, 36, in the final of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.
It was an emotional moment for Van Gerwen, who is divorcing his wife Daphne, as he celebrated with one of his two children, having returned to winning ways after a two-year absence.
The question now is whether he can replicate that in the East Midlands this week.
Littler, 18, said: “Like I said on stage, ‘Michael, is he back?’
“Obviously he played very well, but for ourselves and the players, he’s just got to bring that form out of his home country and hopefully he can perform in England.
“Michael said he’s not been away, he’s just not been performing. We all know why.
GettyMichael van Gerwen has been having a tough time away from the Oche[/caption] AlamyBut on stage the Dutchman is in fine form[/caption]“Obviously people expect us players to hit 100 average every match.
“In my first two games of the World Series Finals, my average was 94-96 but it was still good enough to win. I was tested by Simon [Whitlock] and Jonny [Clayton].
“If we’re playing well enough then obviously you’ll see the 100 averages be hit.
“I think Michael had a 102-103 tournament average. So that goes to show how well he played.”
Mike De Decker, the defending champion, opens up against Peter Wright on Tuesday night, and the winner will take on either Littler or Van Veen in the second round.
Oche oldies Gary Anderson versus Raymond van Barneveld – who share seven world titles between them and have a combined age of 112 – is the round-one highlight of night one.
Luke Littler was speaking at the launch of Target Darts’s ultimate darting pop-up experience in Manchester. For more details on the latest darts products, please visit: www.target-darts.co.uk
Hence then, the article about luke littler dreading his least favourite tournament despite being favourite and hopes he doesn t suffer common blunder was published today ( ) and is available on The Sun ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Luke Littler dreading his least favourite tournament despite being FAVOURITE and hopes he doesn’t suffer common blunder )
Also on site :
- Thunder vs Rockets Odds, (Player) Props, and More
- LIVE: Alex Bregman Introductory Press Conference (UPDATES)
- Pope’s Speech to Vatican Diplomatic Corps Sets the Basis of Leo XIV’s Diplomacy, Ambassadors Say