Luke Littler has seen his momentum abruptly halted by Beau Greaves less than 12 hours after his World Grand Prix final victory. The teenage darts sensation seemed poised for the chance to compete in two finals in one evening next month, but that opportunity has now been quashed.
Fresh from securing his seventh PDC major televised title with a dominant 6-1 win over Luke Humphries, Littler has suffered a defeat. He narrowly escaped elimination in the semi-finals of that competition against Gerwyn Price, pulling off a remarkable comeback with a stunning 152 checkout.
In the final against Humphries, Littler showed no signs of his previous struggles, swiftly taking a 3-0 lead. Humphries managed to get on the scoreboard in the next set, but Littler claimed the following three, earning him the championship and a hefty £120,000 in prize money.
With the World Darts Championships looming, Littler will not have the chance to claim the World Youth Championship before vying for darts’ most prestigious award. Despite skipping last year’s World Youth Championship, Littler had confirmed his return to Wigan this year.
“I’ll head to the World Youths and see everyone and have a bit of fun,” he told Sky Sports on Sunday, fresh from his World Grand Prix victory. “I don’t think anyone is going to be my friend, but it’s 20 minutes up the road and I will try my best.
“I could have had the day off, but why not? Play the World Youth, then two ProTours in Wigan and have the weekend off,” he said on Sky Sports. Whilst the 18-year-old reached the semi-finals on Monday, it was 21-year-old Greaves who eventually ended his winning streak as she triumphed 6-5 in a nail-biting encounter.
Littler’s hunger for the sport certainly cannot be disputed, though he will now at least avoid having to juggle an even more hectic schedule in November. The World Youth Championship final – featuring Greaves and defending champion Gian van Veen – is set to unfold on Sunday, November 23.
On the exact same day, the Players Championship Finals in Minehead are also planned. Littler is hunting his maiden victory in that, with Humphries claiming the last two tournaments to secure the £120,000 winner’s cheque.