Littler into World Grand Prix quarters after beating De Decker

Luke Littler defeated defending champion Mike De Decker in straight sets on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Boyle Sports World Grand Prix at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. The 18 year old world champion closed out a 3-0 victory, settling quickly with a 98.95 average in the opening set and wrapping the match with a 170 checkout.

Littler capitalised on De Decker's early struggles with the tournament's double-start format, which requires players to begin each leg by hitting a double. After taking the first set 3-1, Littler kept the pressure on, breaking De Decker's throw repeatedly and conceding only a single leg across the remaining sets. He said, "It wasn't that good of a game. Mike definitely didn't turn up at his best, but I had to jump on it and take the lead early."

The win sets up a high-profile quarterfinal against former champion Gerwyn Price, who dismantled Josh Rock 3-0 earlier in the session. Price reeled off eight consecutive legs, landed four 180s and raised his level as the match progressed, averaging strongly in the later sets. He acknowledged Littler's form while expressing confidence about his own chances, saying, "I'm here to win, and I'm not scared...