Grand Slam of Darts: Luke Littler must be knocked out in last 16 if any other player wants to win title, says Mark Webster

As the Grand Slam of Darts enters the business end of the competition, one name has consistently been at the forefront of every discussion — Luke Littler. With an impressive run so far, Littler has emerged as a dominant force in the tournament, capturing the attention of both fans and pundits alike. And according to former World Champion Mark Webster, if anyone else is to lift the coveted Grand Slam of Darts trophy, Littler will need to be eliminated by the time the quarterfinals begin.

 

Webster’s comments come after Littler’s flawless progression through the tournament’s early stages, where he has exhibited a level of skill, composure, and consistency that is hard to match. While the tournament remains wide open, the Welsh darts legend believes Littler is currently the player to beat, and any challenger must find a way to stop him in the Last 16 if they are to have a realistic chance of winning the title.

 

Luke Littler: The Rising Star

 

Luke Littler’s meteoric rise in darts has been nothing short of sensational. At just 16 years old, Littler has already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. His game is mature beyond his years, and his ability to perform under pressure has impressed many of his more seasoned counterparts.

 

Entering the Grand Slam of Darts with high expectations, Littler has proven that he is more than capable of competing with the very best. From his impressive victory over top players to his near-flawless finishing, Littler has demonstrated the qualities of a potential future champion. His ability to play with both precision and power makes him a formidable opponent, and it is this skill set that has led to Mark Webster’s assertion that he is the player to beat.

 

Mark Webster’s Bold Prediction

 

Mark Webster, who has been closely following the tournament, believes that if any other player is to challenge for the Grand Slam title, they must eliminate Littler in the Last 16. Webster’s comments are not made lightly; the Welshman recognizes that Littler’s performances so far have shown that he possesses the mentality and the game to go all the way.

 

Webster explained, “If any player is going to win the Grand Slam, they’re going to have to beat Luke Littler — and they’ll have to do it in the Last 16. He’s playing at a level that makes him the clear favorite, and for any other player to have a shot at the title, Littler simply has to be knocked out early.”

 

It’s a bold statement, but one that is grounded in Littler’s form. His impressive ability to perform on the big stage, even in high-pressure situations, gives him the edge over many of his competitors. Webster noted that while there are certainly other talented players in the mix, Littler’s current level of consistency and form has set him apart as the player to beat.

 

The Field of Contenders

 

While Littler’s performances have been a highlight, the Grand Slam of Darts features a field of experienced competitors who will not make it easy for the young talent. Players like Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, and James Wade are seasoned professionals who know what it takes to win major titles. Despite Littler’s impressive rise, these established stars have the pedigree and experience to perform under the brightest of lights, and they will surely be looking for any opportunity to knock Littler off his perch.

 

Gerwyn Price, in particular, will be a strong contender. As a two-time World Champion and one of the most dominant forces in modern darts, Price is always a threat in any major tournament. Michael van Gerwen, too, remains a consistent challenger in every competition he enters. His pedigree in major tournaments — with multiple World Championship titles and Premier League successes — puts him firmly in the frame as one of the top contenders for the Grand Slam.

 

Peter Wright, though somewhat inconsistent at times, can never be discounted. His remarkable ability to raise his game in big tournaments, coupled with his unique flair and unpredictability, makes him a dangerous opponent in any knockout stage. Then, there is the experience of James Wade, who has quietly gone about his business in recent years, showing that he still has the talent and desire to compete at the highest level.

 

However, Webster believes that if Littler can continue his outstanding form and navigate his way past the Last 16, he will be the man to beat. “The longer he stays in the tournament, the more dangerous he becomes,” Webster added. “He’s got a game that’s built for these kinds of events, and it’s going to take a serious effort to take him out.”

 

The Road to the Quarterfinals

 

For any player hoping to challenge for the title, the Last 16 will be a pivotal moment. This stage of the tournament sees the competition narrow down, and for players like Littler, it is where the pressure begins to mount. Having already shown his ability to handle such pressure, Littler’s mental fortitude will be key as he looks to secure a place in the quarterfinals and beyond.

 

The Grand Slam format, which features a mixture of round-robin and knockout stages, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Players must navigate through the group stages before moving on to the knockout rounds. Littler’s performance in these stages will likely serve as a precursor to how he handles the intensity of the knockout rounds.

 

If Littler can continue his impressive run, the possibility of him reaching the semifinals — and ultimately lifting the trophy — is very much within reach. Yet, as Webster suggests, it is in the Last 16 where the true test begins. With the title up for grabs, players will be desperate to dethrone the young upstart.

 

Conclusion

 

The Grand Slam of Darts is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent memory, and Luke Littler’s rapid ascent has added an intriguing dimension to the tournament. Mark Webster’s comments that Littler must be knocked out in the Last 16 if any other player is to win the title speaks to the young player’s undeniable potential and current form. With seasoned competitors hot on his heels, Littler’s path to the title will not be an easy one, but if he continues to play at his current level, there is no reason why he can’t go all the way.

 

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Littler and his ability to continue his impressive run. If he can navigate through the Last 16, then the rest of the darts world may have no choice but to accept that the young star could be on the verge of his first major title. However, it will take a serious effort from any of the remaining contenders to knock him out — and to prove that Littler’s dream run will not end with the Grand Slam of Darts.