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Daily Read: Sports & Health

Littler Falls in First‑Round Upset at World Grand Prix

Luke Littler, the world number one, was eliminated in the opening round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester after a 2‑1 loss to Luke Woodhouse. Littler took the opening set but failed to maintain his form, while Woodhouse capitalised on missed double chances to win the next two sets. The defeat marked the first round exit for the defending champion and also saw six‑time winner Michael van Gerwen exit after a 1‑2 loss to Ryan Joyce. Woodhouse’s victory is one of the biggest upsets in the history of the double‑in, double‑out format. Littler’s Instagram post praised Woodhouse and noted he would now attend the Super League Grand Final. Woodhouse praised Littler’s skill and expressed hope people would appreciate his talent. Other first‑round results included Gerwyn Price’s dominant win over Sebastian Bialecki and Nathan Aspinall’s win over Kevin Doets. The tournament will continue with second‑round matches on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to quarter‑finals on Friday.

· Sky Sports

The essential points

  1. 01Littler, world number one, lost 2‑1 to Luke Woodhouse in Leicester’s opening round
  2. 02Woodhouse’s win is one of the biggest upsets in World Grand Prix history
  3. 03Six‑time champion Michael van Gerwen was also eliminated by Ryan Joyce
  4. 04Littler’s post praised Woodhouse and said he would attend the Super League Grand Final
The full brief

Luke Littler, the world number one, was eliminated in the opening round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester after a 2‑1 loss to Luke Woodhouse. Littler took the opening set but failed to maintain his form, while Woodhouse capitalised on missed double chances to win the next two sets. The defeat marked the first round exit for the defending champion and also saw six‑time winner Michael van Gerwen exit after a 1‑2 loss to Ryan Joyce.

Woodhouse’s victory is one of the biggest upsets in the history of the double‑in, double‑out format. Littler’s Instagram post praised Woodhouse and noted he would now attend the Super League Grand Final. Woodhouse praised Littler’s skill and expressed hope people would appreciate his talent.

Other first‑round results included Gerwyn Price’s dominant win over Sebastian Bialecki and Nathan Aspinall’s win over Kevin Doets. The tournament will continue with second‑round matches on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to quarter‑finals on Friday.