World darts champion Luke Littler suffered a 2-1 first-round defeat to Luke Woodhouse at the World Grand Prix in Leicester on 28 September 2026, ending his title defense early. The 19-year-old, coming off a recent quarter-final exit, averaged 82.41 compared to Woodhouse’s 82.51 as the underdog secured a decisive victory.
Title Defense Collapses at Morningside Arena
Despite taking the first set 3-1, Littler struggled with consistency. Woodhouse’s 82.51 highlighted his composure under pressure.
Frustration Compounds After Amsterdam Backlash
The match followed Littler’s recent controversial exit from the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam, where he criticized the Dutch crowd’s treatment of him.
On Monday, he faced a more supportive Leicester audience but appeared visibly frustrated, particularly after missing key doubles.
Van Gerwen and Cross Join Early Exits
The upset was part of a broader day of surprises at the World Grand Prix. Six-time winner Michael van Gerwen fell to Ryan Joyce 2-1.
Defending champion Gerwyn Price advanced with a dominant 2-0 win over Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki. Price, who last won the title in 2020, averaged 101.61 and hit three 180s in his victory. Meanwhile, 2018 champion Rob Cross was eliminated by Wessel Nijman, who defeated him in straight sets.
Aspinall Awaits Woodhouse in Last 16
Woodhouse’s triumph sets up a last-16 clash against 2022 runner-up Nathan Aspinall, who edged past Dutch debutant Kevin Doets 2-1.
Littler, despite the loss, praised Woodhouse’s performance, writing on social media: Well played @lukewoody180 was a good game … Luke took his chance and nice week off now, all the best to [him] for rest of the tournament.