"I'll be honest I didn't like it" - Luke Littler makes World Grand Prix admission ahead of Leicester title tilt

Young darts sensation Luke Littler faces a different challenge than he is used to this week. The 18-year-old world champion, who completely turned the darts year to his liking with his impressive rise, now wants to add the World Grand Prix to his record. But the tournament in Leicester, with its infamous double-in, double-out format, is an obstacle that even the biggest names struggle with.

Since his explosive breakthrough, Littler has shown he has no trouble hitting doubles to win matches. Yet it's a different story when those doubles have to be thrown at the beginning of a leg. The mandatory start with a double makes the World Grand Prix unique and merciless.

Littler, who will face Dutchman Gian van Veen in the first round, does not hide his opinion. "Obviously it's the next big one," Littler said to Sky Sports "I'll be honest, I didn't like it. I didn't like the double start.

'The Nuke,' who has already won three major titles this year, knows that the World Grand Prix is a totally different kind of test. "I think it's obviously one of the toughest tournaments to win, with the Worlds, the Matchplay, the Premier League," Littler continued. "But the double start: if you don't get off, then you're in trouble."

The double-in system means that players are only allowed to score once they hit a double. This not only creates excitement, but also unexpected outcomes. Even the most consistent scorers can get stuck in the opening stages of a leg.

"I can't say I really practice the double start often but obviously leading up to it I think I'll have to, just get used to it. Every year we'll see someone hit a treble 20 first out and then they forget.

That lack of rhythm at the start of legs is exactly what soured Littler in his previous participation. Indeed, on his debut last year, he lost in his opening match against Rob Cross without really getting into his rhythm. Still, there is more confidence in his voice this year. With his growing experience and new status as world champion, he knows that he no longer starts the match as an underdog.

Belgian Mike De Decker made history last year by surprisingly taking the title. He defeated none other than Luke Humphries, then the world number one, in a final that few saw coming.

De Decker, now ranked No. 20 in the world, looks back with pride: "I still get goosebumps thinking about last year," said De Decker, the world No 20. "Luke [Humphries] was the player to beat throughout the tournament, so to go and lift the title - it was an emotional rollercoaster."

The Belgian darter will play two-time world champion Peter Wright in the opening round this year.

"I'm feeling quite confident. I played pretty well on the ProTour this week, and I'm finally finding some consistency again.

"I know what Peter can do. He didn't win two World Championship titles by luck, so I'm going in with the mindset that I have to play my A-game, like I do in every tournament."