World number one Luke Littler has been sensationally knocked out of the World Grand Prix. The Nuke was beaten 2-1 by the world number 18 Luke Woodhouse in a huge shock on night one in Leicester.
Title defence ends early
Littler had spent the past week on the exhibition circuit in Blackpool, Rotherham and Skegness. It is the first time he has lost in the first round of a premier TV competition for two years.
The two-time world champion struggled with the unique double-start format, however. He only averaged below 83 as he saw his title defence go up in smoke just as it began.
Woodhouse advances to round two
Meanwhile, Luke Woodhouse will face Nathan Aspinall in round two, having pulled off the giant upset.
Speaking after the game on Instagram, Littler said: “Well played Luke Woodhouse. It was a good game. Good one to be a part of as well. Both hit, both missed, but Luke took his chance and a nice week off now. All the best to Luke for the rest of the tournament.”
