Littler’s incredible ranked TV run is OVER after shock World Grand Prix exit

LUKE LITTLER’S incredible run of ranked televised dominance is OVER after Luke Woodhouse stunned him in the World Grand Prix.

The world No1 suffered a shock 2-1 first-round defeat in Leicester and was a long way from his best at the Mattioli Arena.

Littler, 19, edged the opening set as Woodhouse missed several chances to force a deciding leg.

But Woody held his nerve in the final two sets to complete one of the biggest shocks of the season.

The Worcester thrower punished a below-par Littler, who averaged just 82.41, by going three out of three on the doubles in the third set.

Littler had not lost at a ranked PDC major since James Wade dumped him out of the European Championship in October 2025 with a 10-7 victory.

The defeat brings his remarkable winning run at ranked PDC majors to an end at 36 matches.

Littler wrote on Instagram: “Well played Luke Woodhouse.

“It was a good game. Good one to be a part of as well.

“Both hit, both missed, but Luke took his chance and a nice week off now.

“All the best to Luke for the rest of the tournament.”

Elsewhere, 48-time major winner Michael van Gerwen suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ryan Joyce.

It means the Dutchman has now failed to win a match at the unique double-start, double-out tournament for THREE consecutive years.

Nathan Aspinall survived match darts to overcome Kevin Doets 2-1 in a nail-biting contest.

Gerwyn Price produced the performance of the evening, averaging a stellar 101.61 as he saw off Sebastian Bialecki 2-0.

Words: Aaron Nijjar