Luke Littler was knocked out of the World Grand Prix by Luke Woodhouse on the tournament's opening night in Leicester, losing 2-1, but responded with a classy message to his opponent and revealed plans to attend Warrington Wolves' Super League Grand Final appearance on Saturday.
Gracious response on Instagram
The 19-year-old world No.1 took to Instagram to congratulate Woodhouse, writing: "Well played @lukewoody180." He added: "Was a good game, good to be part of as well. Both hit, both missed but Luke took his chance. Nice week off now. All the best to Luke for the rest of the tournament."
Littler had entered Monday's clash having been beaten by Jonny Clayton in the World Series of Darts Finals quarter-finals earlier this month. He claimed the opening set, but Woodhouse mounted a fightback in the second and third to secure a remarkable triumph.
Plans for the weekend
Littler then revealed he can now attend his beloved Warrington Wolves' appearance in Saturday's Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, a fixture that would have coincided with the World Grand Prix semi-finals. "May as well get myself to OT now I'm out," he added. "Let's go the Wire @warringtonrlfc."
Woodhouse, meanwhile, recognised that he needed to capitalise on an off-day from the reigning world champion. "Luke's not a robot," the 37-year-old said. "He's going to have days and weeks and whatever where he's not right on it. But people have echoed it and I'm going to say it again, he's one of a kind, Luke. I hope people will take the time to appreciate how good he is and not give him a hard time. You might not see another Luke Littler ever again."
Dramatic opening day
It proved a dramatic opening day at the Leicester Arena, with six-time winner Michael van Gerwen's quest to claim the title for a seventh time ended by Ryan Joyce. Similar to Woodhouse, Joyce fought back from a set behind to secure victory.
Two previous World Grand Prix champions, Clayton and Gerwyn Price, also progressed to the following round. Price delivered an impressive performance with an average of 101.61, surrendering just one leg while defeating Sebastian Bialecki. A distinctive feature of the Grand Prix is its 'double in, double out' format, requiring players to hit a double both to begin a leg and to complete it for victory. A total prize pot of £750,000 is up for grabs, with the champion set to collect £150,000.
