Luke Littler, also known as ‘The Nuke’, is considering boycotting future darts competitions in Germany after facing backlash from fans following a defeat in the semi-finals of the German Darts Grand Prix. The Welsh darts player suffered a heavy 7-4 loss to Gian van Veen in Munich, leading to a wave of discontent among spectators in the crowd. Littler, visibly unhappy after the match, expressed his frustration and hinted that he may skip tournaments in Germany until the European Tour’s grand finale in October.
Despite securing a spot in the semi-finals by defeating Cam Crabtree and posting victories over experienced players Joe Cullen and Peter Wright, Littler’s journey came to an abrupt end against the formidable Dutch player, Gian van Veen. Van Veen’s impressive performance, with an average of 110.81, overshadowed Littler’s own strong showing with an average of 95.78. The 22-year-old Dutch player’s dominant 7-4 win cemented his spot in the final, leaving Littler disappointed and contemplating his future competitions in Germany.
Following the defeat, Littler took to social media platform Instagram to share his disappointment, stating that he shouldn’t have been in Munich but played regardless. He also hinted that he would not return to Germany until the Dortmund competition, expressing relief at the prospect. Throughout the tournament, Littler faced an unusual atmosphere with parts of the crowd seemingly turning against him, even showing support for his opponent Peter Wright during the quarter-finals.
Despite the challenging experience in Munich, the tournament saw Michael van Gerwen emerge as the champion after an impressive performance. Van Gerwen not only achieved a nine-dart finish but also went on to defeat Gian van Veen 8-5 in the final. The intense final between the two Dutch players saw Van Gerwen secure his fourth German Darts Grand Prix title and his 38th European Tour title, solidifying his status as a dominant force in darts.
Van Gerwen’s path to victory included a standout moment when he threw a nine-darter in the last-16 clash with Ryan Searle, ultimately winning 6-1, and a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Ryan Joyce. The Dutch player maintained a high level of performance, averaging 104.37 in the crucial matches leading up to the final. Ultimately, Van Gerwen’s strategic gameplay and skill on the board allowed him to clinch the title by winning three consecutive legs and sealing an 8-5 victory over Gian van Veen in the final showdown.
The tournament’s outcome not only showcased Van Gerwen’s prowess in darts but also highlighted the competitive and unpredictable nature of the sport. While Littler faced challenges and disappointment in Munich, his journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination required in professional darts. As fans eagerly await the next competitions on the European Tour, the darts community continues to witness thrilling matchups and remarkable displays of skill on the oche.