Luke Littler’s first-round exit in Dortmund came as a surprise for many in the darts world, especially given his recent successes and formidable form. In a tightly contested match, Andrew Gilding, known to fans as “Goldfinger,” emerged victorious with a 6-4 win over the young star. Gilding’s victory not only halted Littler’s progress in the tournament but also marked a personal achievement for Gilding, who had struggled with self-confidence and physical ailments leading up to the match.
Gilding’s own struggles cast a different light on his victory. The 52-year-old player has been open about his recent challenges, citing a crisis of confidence and a lingering illness that left him feeling less than ready for competition. “I didn’t expect this, especially watching how Luke had played lately,” Gilding admitted post-match, describing his surprise at pulling off a win. Known for his historic triumph at the UK Open last year, Gilding is no stranger to high-stakes matches, but his self-doubt remains a constant hurdle. “I am always short on self-belief. I never expect to win a game,” he confessed, adding that his lack of confidence is especially tough when going up against rising stars like Littler.
Reflecting on his physical state before the match, Gilding admitted he was still recovering from a persistent cold. “I felt awful coming up to this. I did say beforehand I wanted to cross him off the list. It was the third time I’d played him. So it’s third time lucky,” Gilding continued, emphasizing just how unexpected the win felt given his recent challenges. The darts community has seen him claw back from such setbacks before, but he acknowledged, “I was thinking about the flights home on Saturday,” preparing himself mentally for what he thought would be an early exit.
Littler, on the other hand, arrived in Dortmund with momentum, having displayed outstanding performances in recent tournaments. Known as “The Nuke,” Littler defeated Gilding last December as part of his incredible journey to the World Darts Championship final, a feat that quickly elevated him in the ranks and established him as one of the sport’s most promising young talents. Just last month, Littler triumphed over Gilding once again at Players Championship 20, underscoring his recent rise and consistent performance against experienced opponents.
Despite his defeat in Dortmund, Littler’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 16, he’s already demonstrated a talent and maturity that have won him respect and admiration across the sport. His recent performance at the Czech Darts Open last week was nothing short of spectacular; Littler managed to overcome top-tier players like Nathan Aspinall, Damon Heta, and even darts legend Michael van Gerwen in a 6-1 blowout. In that match, van Gerwen averaged a staggering 112 points, yet Littler managed to hold his own, ultimately claiming victory. Although his run in the Czech Darts Open ended with a loss to Luke Humphries in the final, Littler’s performance there underscored his potential and put the world on notice.
Currently, Littler is steadily climbing the PDC’s Order of Merit and has already amassed close to £400,000 in earnings since finishing as a runner-up to Humphries at the World Championship just 10 months ago. His earnings and ranking rise reflect not only his talent but also his relentless drive to succeed, a quality that has become more apparent with each tournament. Littler’s ascent has been marked by a combination of skill, determination, and an ability to compete against some of the world’s best players, a feat that has made him one of the brightest young stars in the sport.
One of the highlights of Littler’s season came in May when he claimed the Premier League Darts title. This win marked a turning point for Littler, whose achievements now place him at 20th in the world rankings. His meteoric rise has seen him go from a largely unknown player to a celebrated figure in darts, one who is poised to become a household name as he continues to make his mark. As he prepares for his next appearance at the World Darts Championship in December, Littler is keen to build on his success from last year and establish himself further among the elite in the sport.
Despite the setback in Dortmund, Littler’s outlook remains bright. With the confidence he’s displayed and the consistent improvements in his game, his chances of making a deep run at Alexandra Palace later this year are high. Meanwhile, for Gilding, the victory serves as a boost, both in terms of his performance and his confidence. Gilding’s openness about his struggles makes him a relatable figure in the sport, reminding fans and players alike of the personal battles many athletes face, even at the highest levels.
This latest showdown between Gilding and Littler encapsulates the unpredictable nature of darts, a sport where experience and grit can sometimes outweigh youth and talent, at least for a day. As the year draws to a close, both players are bound to keep fans on edge, with Littler eyeing redemption and further success and Gilding seeking to build on this confidence-boosting win.