World Darts Grand Prix: Michael van Gerwen wins but Luke Littler wins on the action

Six-time champion Michael van Gerwen was beaten by his Dutch teammate in the first round of the World Grand Prix, but Luke Littler came through with a quality opener.

Van Gerwen won the top-level tournament for the first time in two years by beating Littler in the World Series final in September, but on Tuesday he produced a foul-mouthed display to lose 2-0 against Dirk Van Duijvenbode.

Although the world number three, Van Gerwen threw a stunning 171 in the first stage, he struggled and suffered a first round elimination for the second year in a row.

However, Littler stormed into the second round in Leicester with an 11-minute straight win against another Dutchman, Gian van Veen.

Both players averaged over 100 in an impressive set as Littler came from behind to take it 3-2.

Despite Van Veen finishing with an average of 106.47 – the highest average in the championship’s history – and Littler 105.58, it was the Briton who won in continuing his quest for a first world Grand Prix title.

“I’m very happy. I don’t think I could have done a better job out there. I definitely played better than last year,” Little told Sports.

“I said I was going to be fiery in the pre-match interview and I showed a little bit of that. Hopefully that will be the next major.”

Gerwin Price defeated Ryan Searle 2-1, before Peter Wright lost to defending champion Mike De Decker by the same scoreline.

Tuesday’s World Grand Prix results:

Dirk van Duijvenbode 2-0 Michael van Gerwen

Luke Woodhouse 2-1 Damon Hita

Darryl Gurney 2-0 Ross Smith

Johnny Clayton 2-0 Andrew Gilding

Gerwyn Price 2-1 Ryan Searle

Luke Littler 2-0 Gian van Veen

Mike De Decker 2-1 Peter Wright

Josh Rock vs. Ryan Joyce

Wednesday matches:

Cameron Menzies vs Rob Cross

Stephen Ponting vs Danny Noppert

Luke Humphries v Krzysztof Ratajski

Joe Cullen vs. Gary Anderson