Littler begins World Grand Prix title defence as he targets historic clean sweep

LUKE LITTLER will take another step towards an historic clean sweep when he begins his BoyleSports World Grand Prix title defence against Luke Woodhouse.

The world No1 has already mopped up the first SIX major events of the season and is bidding to become the first player in history to win all 11 in a single campaign.

Littler, 19, demolished Luke Humphries 6-1 in last year’s final at the Mattioli Arena to claim the trophy for the first time.

But the teen sensation will know he cannot afford a slow start in the unique double-start format.

Littler suffered a shock first-round exit in 2024 after losing 2-1 to former world champion Rob Cross.

32 stars will battle it out for the £150,000 top prize, with the top 16 seeds drawn against the top 16 players on the ProTour Order of Merit in round one.

Action gets under way on September 28 and runs through to the final on October 4.

Opening-round ties will be played over the best of three sets across the first two days, before the second round switches to the best of five sets on days three and four.

Quarter-final clashes will also be contested over the best of five sets on day five, with the semi-finals and final bringing the tournament to a conclusion over the final two days.

Nathan Aspinall faces debutant Kevin Doets in an eye-catching first-round clash, while Danny Noppert takes on Niko Springer.

51-time major winner Michael van Gerwen meets Ryan Joyce and Gerwyn Price plays Sebastian Bialecki.

Last year’s runner-up Humphries begins against Dave Chisnall, as Chris Dobey faces Jermaine Wattimena.

Former World Cup winner Josh Rock meets Niels Zonneveld and Gary Anderson takes on Damon Heta.

Reigning European Champ Gian van Veen faces Dirk van Duijvenbode, with Ryan Searle drawn against William O’Connor.

James Wade takes on Joe Cullen and Stephen Bunting faces Andrew Gilding.

FULL DRAW

Luke Littler vs Luke Woodhouse

Nathan Aspinall vs Kevin Doets

Danny Noppert vs Niko Springer

Michael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce

Gerwyn Price vs Sebastian Bialecki

Ross Smith vs Cameron Menzies

Jonny Clayton vs Krzysztof Ratajski

Wessel Nijman vs Rob Cross

Luke Humphries vs Dave Chisnall

Chris Dobey vs Jermaine Wattimena

Josh Rock vs Niels Zonneveld

Gary Anderson vs Damon Heta

Gian van Veen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode

Ryan Searle vs William O’Connor

James Wade vs Joe Cullen

Stephen Bunting vs Andrew Gilding

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning