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Littler Through at Grand Prix Despite Van Veen's Record

On Tuesday, Luke Littler secured his first career win at the BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester, defeating Gian van Veen 2-0 in an 11-minute, high-quality match.
Motivated by last year’s exit, Luke Littler sought to reverse his 2-1 loss to Rob Cross, achieving victory 24 hours after splitting from manager Martin Foulds.
Statistically, the match was extraordinary as Gian van Veen recorded a tournament-best average of 106.47 yet Luke Littler averaged 105.58 across eight legs and hit 151 and 144 checkouts to win.
Littler now moves on to face the winner of Mike De Decker vs Peter Wright on Thursday, while six-time world champion Michael van Gerwen was eliminated after a 2-0 loss to Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Sky Sports commentators described the game as one of the best sets of darts, giving 18-year-old Luke Littler a confidence boost in his major title pursuit at the tournament stage.

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Littler through at Grand Prix despite Van Veen's record

Luke Littler avoided a repeat of last year's first-round exit at the 2025 Boyle Sports World Grand Prix despite facing an opponent, Gian van Veen, who hit the highest average in the tournament's history.

1 day ago·Ireland

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Daily Mirror

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Michael van Gerwen out of World Grand Prix but darts legend spared complete humiliation - The Mirror

Michael van Gerwen arrived into the World Grand Prix fresh off his World Series triumph, but the Green Machine could not get past the first round

1 day ago·London, United Kingdom

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The Independent

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Luke Littler wins in straight sets despite historic Gian van Veen performance

Gian van Veen averaged a record-breaking 106.47 in the double-in, double-out format yet still lost in straight sets to an inspired Littler.

1 day ago·London, United Kingdom

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GB News

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Luke Littler finally breaks World Grand Prix curse despite record-breaking opponent

Luke Littler has finally ended his World Grand Prix drought in stunning fashion — defeating his “bogeyman” Gian van Veen despite the Dutchman posting the highest average in the tournament’s history

1 day ago·London, United Kingdom

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Welt

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Darts World Grand Prix: Van Veen Cracks Record Average From 2001 – and Loses

Luke Littler and Gian van Veen delivered a duel for the history books at the World Grand Prix. Only unbelieving laughter and a record remained for the Dutchman. Also compatriot and darts superstar Michael van Gerwen caught it at the start.

1 day ago·Dortmund, Germany

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