Luke Littler stunned by Luke Woodhouse on opening night of the World Grand Prix

[Reward Annie]

What a start to the World Grand Prix in Leicester. Defending champion Luke Littler is out in the first round after losing 2-1 in sets to Luke Woodhouse. Littler took the opening set but could not kick on, and Woodhouse took his chances in the second and third to complete one of the biggest upsets the event has seen in years. The double in format always makes this tournament a lottery, but nobody expected this

Woodhouse had missed several darts at a double in the first set, so it looked like the usual story of Littler getting away with it. Instead Woodhouse stayed composed and converted when it mattered. Littler took it well, posting on Instagram that both players hit and both missed but Woodhouse took his chance. He is now off to Old Trafford for the Super League Grand Final, so at least he has a free weekend

There were some reports of booing from the crowd, and Woodhouse made a point afterwards of asking fans to appreciate Littler as a one of a kind talent. That is a classy touch. Littler has become a pantomime villain for some crowds lately, which seems harsh on a young player who has done so much for the sport's popularity

It was a brutal night for the big names generally. Michael van Gerwen went out in the first round for the third year running, losing 2-1 to Ryan Joyce, and Rob Cross was beaten 2-0 by Wessel Nijman. Gerwyn Price looked the best player on show, averaging 101.61 in a 2-0 win over Sebastian Bialecki with two 120 checkouts

Elsewhere, Jonny Clayton edged Krzysztof Ratajski, Nathan Aspinall survived three match darts from Kevin Doets, Danny Noppert beat Niko Springer and Ross Smith got past Cameron Menzies despite a week he described as a week from hell, having been in hospital with a virus and heart concerns. With Littler and MVG gone, the draw is wide open. Who do you fancy now?

Luke Littler: Defending champion stunned by Luke Woodhouse at World Grand Prixwww.bbc.co.uk