Luke Littler has learned his darting fate.
The Grand Slam of Darts draw has been revealed, and darts enthusiasts are in for a treat with some cracking match-ups on the cards. The Wolverhampton event, which kicks off this Saturday and runs until the following Sunday, is one of the last major tournaments before December’s World Darts Championship.
Reigning Grand Slam champ Luke Humphries will be keen to defend his title, but he’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Rob Cross. The victor will pocket a hefty £150,000 out of a total prize pot of £650,000, with 32 players battling it out for the top spot.
The tournament begins in a group format, with the top two advancing to the second round where it becomes a knockout competition. All eyes will be on Littler as he aims to find form ahead of the World Championship, having lost to Humphries in last year’s Alexandra Palace final.
The 17-year-old has shot from complete unknown to 18th in the world rankings in just 11 months since his breakthrough. Littler finds himself in Group F alongside reigning UK Open champ Dimitri Van den Bergh, world No.50 Keane Barry, and Filipino player Lourence Ilagan.
(Image: Getty Images)
If ‘The Nuke’ makes it through, he could face either Michael Smith or Mike De Decker in round two, reports the Express.
Meanwhile, defending champion Humphries is up against James Wade, Micky Mansell, and Rowby-John Rodriguez in Group A. If ‘Cool Hand’ makes the top two, he could face Danny Noppert, Martin Schindler, Cameron Menzies, or female darts sensation Beau Greaves.
Greaves has candidly expressed her hesitation to compete against male players at televised events, but she conceded that the prize money is too tempting to ignore. In Group G, Noa-Lynn van Leuven will make history as the first transgender player to compete against men in a televised PDC tournament.
(Image: Getty Images)
The 28 year old, who transitioned in 2021, faces a challenging draw against former world champions Van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, as well as World Grand Prix semi-finalist Ryan Joyce. Van Leuven’s performances in the Women’s Series have also secured her a place at the World Championship next month.
However, the Dutchwoman’s participation in the Women’s Series has stirred controversy, with female darts player Deta Hedman refusing to play her.