Overview

• Luke Littler beat Gian van Veen 2-0, averaging 105.58 and nailing 151 and match-clinching 144 checkouts in an 11-minute opener.
• Van Veen posted a 106.47 average, the highest in World Grand Prix history, yet had only three darts at a finish under the double-in, double-out format.
• After the match, Littler confirmed he will primarily manage himself with support from family and Target’s Garry Plummer following his split from ZXF.
• Michael van Gerwen lost 2-0 to Dirk van Duijvenbode, marking a second straight first-round Grand Prix exit and Van Duijvenbode’s first televised win over him.
• Defending champion Mike De Decker defeated Peter Wright 2-1 to set up a second-round tie with Littler, while Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, Daryl Gurney and Luke Woodhouse also advanced.