LUKE LITTLER finally got off the mark at his bogey event as he thwarted his oche bogeyman.
The reigning world darts champion beat Gian van Veen 2-0 in the first round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester.
It was his first-ever victory at this double-start tournament, having bombed out in the opening hurdle 12 months ago in the East Midlands to Rob Cross.
Not only that, it also ended a run of three straight defeats to the 23-year-old lanky Dutchman.
It came the day after Littler had announced a split with his long-term manager Martin Foulds after five years together.
The Nuke hit a superb 151 checkout in leg four and then sealed the opening set in six minutes with an 86 finish – which he celebrated by punching the air.
The 18-year-old, whose preferred method to open up a leg was double tops and double 10s, secured his passage with an outstanding 144 checkout.
Van Veen, who averaged 106.47 in defeat, simply raised his hands, shook his head and shrugged his shoulders as if to say – what could I have done better against that quality?
Littler, who averaged 105.58 across eight legs, said: “I’m very happy. I don’t think I could have done a lot better.
“It felt all good. I missed a few doubles but overall it was a good performance.
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“Gian played his part in a brilliant game.
“We pushed each other every time and played our best darts. To win my first game here feels amazing.
“I played better than last time. I said in my pre-game interview, I would be a lot fiery – and I showed that.”
Elsewhere, Damon Heta’s hunt for a first win at this unique darts event continues as, for the fifth successive year, he lost in the first round.
The Australian – ranked 11th in the field – lost 2-1 to unseeded Luke Woodhouse, who averaged only 80.98 and began the final leg with SEVEN missed darts at a double.
Woodhouse now faces Welsh thrower Jonny Clayton, who ended a run of six successive defeats to Andrew Gilding as he progressed 2-0 to reach round two.
World Grand Prix Darts – all the info
THE World Grand Prix Darts is BACK this week!
One of the biggest events on the darting calendar is back, as thousands of fans descend on Leicester for a week of action.
The world’s best darts players will be in action, with Mike De Decker ready to defend his crown, while last year’s losing finalist, Luke Humphries, is the No 1 seed.
This is one of the few tournaments where Luke Littler has struggled, the reigning world champion failing to get past the last 32 in either 2024 or 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know about the World Grand Prix!
LIVE – FOLLOW THE WORLD GRAND PRIX AS IT HAPPENS
INFO
- Tickets – how much do they cost and how can I buy?
- Start time, schedule and results for the week
- Rules and format – what is a double start?
- How much is the prize money?
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