Luke Littler, the defending World Grand Prix darts champion, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Luke Woodhouse in the first round of the tournament in Leicester, according to multiple outlets.
The loss ended Littler's title defence at the first hurdle. According to The Guardian, Michael van Gerwen also exited the tournament in the last 32.
The Guardian reported that Littler was aiming to bounce back from a quarter-final exit to Jonny Clayton at the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam a week earlier. According to The Guardian, Littler had threatened to boycott tournaments in the Netherlands after being booed and whistled during that event, and missed the latest Players Championship events in Den Bosch.
Outlets across the political spectrum described the result as a shock defeat for the world number one.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Mirror highlighted Littler's reaction following the defeat.
- The Guardian reported the 2-1 scoreline and noted it ended Littler's title defence in the first round.
- The Guardian noted Michael van Gerwen also lost in the last 32.
- The Guardian provided context on Littler's recent quarter-final exit in Amsterdam and tensions with Dutch crowds.
“Luke Littler suffers shock defeat to Luke Woodhouse in World Grand Prix opener” — The Guardian
Center
- Yahoo Sports and BBC Sport both described the loss as a shock first-round defeat.
- Reports named the location of the match as Leicester.
“Littler stunned by Woodhouse at World Grand Prix” — BBC Sport
Questions readers ask
What happened to Luke Littler at the World Grand Prix?
Luke Littler, the defending champion, lost 2-1 to Luke Woodhouse in the first round of the World Grand Prix darts tournament in Leicester.
Did any other top players lose early in the tournament?
According to The Guardian, Michael van Gerwen also crashed out of the World Grand Prix in the last 32.
What happened to Littler before this defeat?
According to The Guardian, Littler was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam a week earlier, losing to Jonny Clayton.
Why did Littler consider boycotting tournaments in the Netherlands?
According to The Guardian, Littler threatened to boycott tournaments there after being booed and whistled during the World Series of Darts event in Amsterdam, and he missed the latest Players Championship events in Den Bosch.
Sources · 4 outlet reports
- The GuardianLeft-leaningLuke Littler suffers shock defeat to Luke Woodhouse in World Grand Prix opener
- The MirrorLeft-leaningLuke Littler shows his true colours after shock World Grand Prix Darts defeat
- BBC SportCenterLittler stunned by Woodhouse at World Grand Prix
- Yahoo SportsCenterLittler stunned by Woodhouse at World Grand Prix