First-round exit for Littler and van Gerwen at World Grand Prix

Sensation at the PDC World Grand Prix!

Darts dominator and defending champion Luke Littler exits the World Grand Prix in the first round, losing 2-1 to Luke Woodhouse. At the major tournament, where each leg must start with a double, Littler "only" averaged 82.41 points.

World number 18 Woodhouse had an almost identical average of 82.51 points, but impressed with a checkout percentage of 46.67 percent. The Englishman thus inflicts another bitter defeat on Littler, following his quarter-final exit at the World Series of Darts Finals against Johnny Clayton a week and a half ago.

Van Gerwen also falters

Three-time world champion and former dominator Michael Van Gerwen exits against world number 25 Ryan Joyce. The Dutchman had problems with his doubles and only managed a checkout percentage of 19.23 percent. His opponent was outstanding on the "finishes", recording a percentage of 66.67 percent.

The World Grand Prix final will take place on October 4.