Littler beats Van Veen 2-0 to reach World Grand Prix round two

Luke Littler beat Gian van Veen in straight sets on Tuesday to reach the second round of the 2025 Boyle Sports World Grand Prix in Leicester, overcoming a tournament record average by his opponent to avoid a repeat of last year’s first-round exit. Van Veen produced a tournament-record 106.47 average in the double-in, double-out format but could not convert it into victory as Littler finished the match with high checkouts, including 151 and 144, to win 2-0.

Littler, the reigning world champion, averaged about 105.58 in the match and marked the victory with a 151 checkout that prompted loud support from the Leicester crowd. He said he was pleased with his performance, adding, "I am very happy. I don't think I could have done a lot better there." The win gives Littler his first match victory at the Grand Prix after a first-round defeat in his debut at the event last year.

The contest highlighted the fine margins of the Grand Prix's double-start requirement. Van Veen’s high scoring, including three 180s in the opening set, proved insufficient when Littler found the doubles to close legs. Littler had previously acknowledged the challenge of the format, saying at a promotional event...