Luke Littler admits he’s dreading his upcoming World Grand Prix appearance due to the tournament’s tricky format that has previously caught him out. The competition begins on Monday and the teenage sensation is backed as the bookmakers’ top pick for the crown. After 19 years in Dublin, the World Grand Prix has moved to Leicester and presents a unique test for players as each 501 leg can only begin after hitting a double.
Littler is renowned for disliking this peculiar regulation and endured a disappointing first attempt in the event last year, when he was knocked out by Rob Cross in the first round. The Nuke is chasing Luke Humphries’ world No 1 spot this winter and has been magnificent so far, securing six of the 10 PDC major tournaments since turning professional in January 2024.
However, he still needs to overcome his difficulties with the World Grand Prix structure.
Littler told the Daily Star: “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.
“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.”
Darts icon Phil Taylor secured the World Grand Prix crown a remarkable 11 times before retiring in 2018. Michael van Gerwen trails behind with six triumphs, though his most recent success came in 2022.
Last year’s surprise winner Mike De Decker, who defeated Humphries in the final, will square off against Peter Wright in the opening round this time around.
The Belgian thrower, who is currently ranked 20th in the world, is keen to produce more memorable moments whilst reflecting on his earlier triumph.
“I still get goosebumps thinking about last year,” De Decker admitted. “Luke [Humphries] was the player to beat throughout the tournament, so to go and lift the title, it was an emotional rollercoaster.
“I’m feeling quite confident. I played pretty well on the ProTour this week and I’m finally finding some consistency again.
“I know what Peter can do. He didn’t win two World Championship titles by luck, so I’m going in with the mindset that I have to play my A-game, like I do in every tournament.”