Luke Littler began the defence of his Grand Slam of Darts title with a solid 5-2 victory over Beau Greaves on the opening night in Wolverhampton. The 19-year-old world number one produced a near-flawless display, averaging just under 110 and hitting seven 180s to underline his credentials as the man to beat.
Littler's Fast Start Proves Decisive
Littler raced into a 3-0 lead in the best-of-nine encounter and, although Greaves threatened a comeback, the young star held his nerve to close out the match. "I am happy with the win," Littler told Sky Sports. "I said in my pre-match interview I needed to get off to a strong start because Beau started to find it at the end there. Beau was fantastic but I am happy with myself and still 100% here in Wolverhampton."
The victory extends Littler's unbeaten run at the Grand Slam to 15 matches, and he now has his sights set on a third consecutive title, a feat only achieved by Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Contenders
In other opening-night action, Luke Humphries, the World Grand Prix champion, got his campaign off to a winning start by defeating Paolo Nebrida. However, there was a shock for two-time major winner Ross Smith, who suffered a 5-3 defeat at the hands of young Rusty-Jake Rodriguez. English debutant Henry Coates, 20, pushed three-time champion Michael van Gerwen all the way before succumbing 5-4 in a deciding leg.
Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting and Dutchman Gian van Veen also picked up wins as the expanded tournament got underway with 48 group-stage matches scheduled across the first three days.
Littler's form comes after a lean spell in recent majors, but the teenager believes he is back on track. "I think it is what I need," he said. "Obviously the past three or four majors haven't gone well, but I have been practising and I am glad I have shown it."
