Vintage from Voltage as Rob Cross ends Luke Littler's World Grand Prix debut in the opening round

Luke Littler started as pre-tournament favourite on his debut at the World Grand Prix, but following a vintage performance by Rob Cross, it's the former world champion who has prevailed to round two.

Where his rival Luke Humphries had managed to comeback from an early deficit to win his match earlier in the night, the same was not true for Littler. The teenage sensation lost 2-1 in sets to Rob Cross on his debut at the World Grand Prix.

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The first set could have gone either way, but after Littler missed a set dart, 'Voltage' went away with set win by hitting double 18. Littler then started the second set sharply with a 13-darter, before Cross levelled at 1-1 by throwing out 88. That same finish hit Littler in the third leg, before Cross forced a fifth with a 13-darter. With a 15-darter, Littler prevented his compatriot from throwing for the match and it was tied 1-1.

A third set had to bring the decision in this match. Littler started the opening leg of set three better, but the leg still went to Cross with a 14-darter. Littler then made it 1-1 again with a 19-darter. Littler started the third leg better again, but with seven perfect darts in a row Cross still took the leg. Littler then hit the next shot from 87 to force a deciding leg, but missed the double 7. This gave Cross the opportunity to decide the match from 88. Cross won the match via the bullseye.

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