Sports · 29 September 2026

Defending champion Luke Littler knocked out of World Grand Prix Darts

Photo: Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY SA 4.0)

Luke Littler, the defending champion, suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to Luke Woodhouse in the first round in Leicester. Littler won the first set, but Woodhouse secured sets two and three, marking one of the tournament's biggest upsets. Michael van Gerwen, who has won the competition six times, also exited the tournament that evening.

By BriefTea Editorial · 29 September 2026 at 6:58

Reported by Sky Sports · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

What is the 'Littler effect' on darts? Why do champions lose early? How much do top darts players earn?

More briefs

SportsRonaldo-Less Portugal Thrashed 4-1 By Denmark SportsLuke Littler Beats Beau Greaves 5-2 With Seven 180s SportsHaaland Scores As Norway Beat Wales 3-1 In Oslo SportsSpain Coach Tells Tuchel His Country Has No Racism Problem SportsEngland Thrash Japan 78-15 As Will Joseph Scores Five Tries SportsIan Botham's Grandson James Named Hero As Wales Stun All Blacks More sports stories → Browse all stories →