Andrew Gilding has redeemed himself with an impressive performance, upsetting teenage darting prodigy Luke Littler in a thrilling match at the Dortmund tournament. In a first-round contest that kept fans on edge, Gilding defeated Littler 6-4, marking the first time he managed to outplay “The Nuke.” The outcome came as a shock, especially considering Littler’s impressive recent form. Gilding, who is 36 years older than the 17-year-old phenom, showcased both experience and resilience, ultimately staying one step ahead throughout the match.
Despite his lead, Gilding admitted he was far from confident during the game. Speaking candidly after the match, he said, “Oh yeah, I was concerned all the way through. I know what he’s like; he can really turn it on sometimes.” Gilding, famously humble and often self-effacing, added, “I just get up there, throw my darts, and hope for the best.” His anxiety was not unfounded, as Littler managed to claw his way back from an early deficit to level the score twice, first at 3-3 and then again at 4-4. But Gilding’s perseverance paid off, allowing him to maintain his composure in the critical moments and finally break Littler’s momentum.
For Littler, the defeat is disappointing but not career-altering. Known for his explosive talent and prodigious rise, he has quickly become a fan favorite, capturing hearts with his poise and performance under pressure. The young star, who already holds the Premier League championship title, has faced some early exits in major tournaments lately, having been eliminated in the opening rounds of the World Matchplay in Blackpool and the World Grand Prix in Leicester. This Dortmund tournament was anticipated as an opportunity for Littler to return to form, but Gilding’s experience ultimately won out.
The loss also disrupts what fans had hoped would be an exciting reunion between Littler and German dart player Ricardo Pietreczko in the tournament’s second round. Earlier this year, the two faced off in a match that turned contentious, generating buzz and setting the stage for what would have been a dramatic showdown in Dortmund. With Littler out of the running, Pietreczko’s path forward may be smoother, although he still faces strong competition.
Gilding’s victory over Littler is particularly sweet, as it marks a form of redemption for his previous loss to the young star at the PDC World Darts Championship’s second round. Reflecting on the significance of the win, Gilding said, “I didn’t expect this, watching how Luke had played lately. I am always short of self-belief. I never expect to win a game.” Gilding added that his recent bout with a lingering cold had left him feeling less than optimistic. “Especially against Luke, and especially as I had an awful cold as well. I am on the tailend of that. I felt awful coming up to this.”
His third face-off with Littler marked a chance to finally overcome his young competitor. “I did say beforehand I wanted to cross him off the list,” he explained. “It was the third time I’d played him, so it’s third time lucky.” Gilding emphasized just how unexpected this victory was for him and his team, saying, “It’s a huge win. The last thing I had expected. Nobody expected this.”
Gilding even shared that he had been preparing himself for an early flight home, assuming he would be out of the tournament after this first-round match. “I was thinking about the flights home on Saturday,” he admitted. “The way he had played lately was exceptional. I was resigned to losing. In practice, I was awful until the last hour, but it came together.” His underdog mentality and realistic assessment of his chances underscore the humble attitude that has made Gilding a relatable figure in the world of professional darts.
This win is a testament to the unpredictable nature of darts and the intense competition that defines the sport. For Gilding, the result reinforces the value of experience and persistence, showing that even the most gifted young talents can be outmaneuvered by seasoned professionals. For Littler, the loss is likely just a temporary setback in what promises to be a long and successful career. He has already proven that he can compete with the best in the game, and fans are sure to see him come back stronger.
Meanwhile, Gilding will proceed to the next round with renewed confidence, having achieved a personal milestone against one of the most exciting young players in the sport. His win not only makes a statement about the tenacity of veterans in darts but also adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative of new talent rising to challenge established stars. The Dortmund tournament has already delivered memorable moments, and with competitors like Gilding pushing the boundaries, there’s plenty more excitement to come.