"I just wanted to come here and make a statement" - Luke Littler sends message with stunning Grand Slam debut

Luke Littler started the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts with a great performance on Saturday night in Wolverhampton. The 17-year-old Englishman defeated Keane Barry 5-0 in his opening match, posting an average of 112.16.

Littler has had a rough time of things in TV majors of late, suffering a string of first round exits. There was no signs of nerves in this one though. In the process of his impressive victory, Littler fired in the 10th highest average in the long and storied history of the Grand Slam of Darts.

“I’ve been practising very well leading up to the Grand Slam, and I’m glad I played so well on my debut tonight,” reflected Littler happily afterwards in his post-match press conference. “I felt good. It’s a short format so you’ve got to switch on. You have got to be on your A-game, and I was very focused tonight.”

Littler has almost finished his first full year on the Pro Tour. Despite winning more titles than anyone else, there has been some recent comments made about his poor record in TV majors. "I just wanted to come here and make a statement. It will get a lot of people thinking," Littler says. "I want to win every title obviously, but that's not going to happen. I've just got to pick myself up and refocus."

UK fans can use Sky Sports during the Grand Slam of Darts. As usual, the tournament begins with a group stage with eight pools of four players each. The group stage takes place from Saturday through Tuesday, with all players playing three times.

The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout phase. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 13, the knockout phase will begin with the first matches of the final sixteen. This round will be completed on Thursday, Nov. 14. The quarter-finals will be played on Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, before the semifinals and finals are finished on Sunday, Nov. 17.