Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen Suffer First-Round Exits at World Grand Prix
Defending champion Luke Littler and six-time winner Michael van Gerwen were eliminated in the opening round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester. Luke Woodhouse defeated Littler 2-1, while Ryan Joyce overcame Van Gerwen by the same scoreline, marking the Dutchman’s third-straight first-round loss in the tournament.
Luke Woodhouse Ends Littler’s Title Defense
Luke Littler secured the opening set against Luke Woodhouse, but his scoring rhythm faltered as the match progressed. Woodhouse secured the second and third sets to complete the upset. Following the loss, Littler wrote on Instagram, “Both hit, both missed but Luke took his chance.”
Woodhouse, reflecting on his victory, noted that Littler is “not a robot” and encouraged fans to appreciate his unique talent rather than scrutinizing his off-days. Littler confirmed he will now shift his focus to the Super League Grand Final to support his team, the Warrington Wolves.
Michael van Gerwen Continues Struggle Against Ryan Joyce
Michael van Gerwen’s tournament ended early after failing to hold a one-set lead against Ryan Joyce. The match was one of several tight contests on the opening night, as six of the eight scheduled matches required a final-set decider.
Performance Highlights from the Opening Night
Gerwyn Price delivered the standout performance of the evening, averaging 101.61 and dropping only one leg in a 2-0 victory over Sebastian Bialecki. Price hit two 120 checkouts during the match. Elsewhere, Jonny Clayton narrowly progressed past Krzysztof Ratajski in a hard-fought contest that went the distance.
Ross Smith secured a 3-0 win in the deciding set against Cameron Menzies, while Nathan Aspinall advanced past Kevin Doets in a final-leg decider. Smith revealed after the match that he had been hospitalized earlier in the week due to a virus and heart-related issues. “I thought I was pulling out of this event on Saturday,” Smith said. “To be here is an achievement in itself.”
Tournament Schedule and Upcoming Matches
Wessel Nijman rounded out the night with a 2-0 win over Rob Cross. The second round is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, with the quarter-finals following on Friday. The tournament concludes with the semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions About the World Grand Prix
Who defeated the defending champion Luke Littler?
Luke Woodhouse defeated Luke Littler 2-1 in the first round of the tournament.
Which former champion was also eliminated on the opening night?
Six-time winner Michael van Gerwen was eliminated by Ryan Joyce.
How many first-round matches went to a deciding set?
Six out of the eight matches played on the opening night went to a final-set decider.
What health issues did Ross Smith report during the tournament?
Ross Smith stated he was hospitalized the Friday before the tournament due to a virus and heart-related issues.
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