Defending champion Luke Littler suffered a shock first-round exit at the World Grand Prix, falling to Luke Woodhouse in a 2-1 defeat. The upset occurred on the same night that six-time tournament winner Michael van Gerwen was also eliminated from the competition.
The events took place in Leicester, where both high-profile players failed to progress past the opening round. Littler’s loss marks a significant early departure for the reigning titleholder, while Van Gerwen’s exit adds to the night of surprises in the event.
Woodhouse secured the victory over Littler, ending the defending champion's campaign in the first round. This result stands in contrast to the expectations surrounding the former winner, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament's early stages.
Van Gerwen, who has claimed the World Grand Prix title on six occasions, was also knocked out during the same session. His elimination mirrors the shock of Littler’s defeat, resulting in a double blow for the favorites in the competition.
The World Grand Prix continues in Leicester, with the remaining players advancing in the tournament bracket following these notable first-round results.
<small>Source: Sky Sports — read the original story there.</small>