Luke Littler Storms Past Danny Noppert 16–9 to Reach World Grand Prix Final

Luke Littler Storms Past Danny Noppert 16–9 to Reach World Grand Prix Final

Luke Littler continues to tear through the 2025 World Grand Prix with the confidence, class, and composure of a seasoned champion. On a thrilling night in Leicester, the teenage sensation produced another commanding performance, sweeping past Danny Noppert 16–9 in the semi-finals to book his spot in yet another major televised final. It was a statement victory—one that reminded everyone exactly why Littler is already one of the most feared names on the oche.

From the very first dart, Littler looked locked in. He came out firing with heavy scoring, peppering the treble 20 with the kind of authority fans have come to expect from him. Noppert, a former major winner and a player known for his excellent doubling under pressure, tried to stick with him early, but Littler’s pace and accuracy quickly created separation. Each time Noppert clawed back a leg, Littler responded with a powerful scoring surge or a clinical finish to shut the door.

One of the trademarks of Littler’s rise has been his ability to dictate the tempo of a match, and this semi-final was a perfect example. He kept Noppert uncomfortable, pushing the tempo and applying constant pressure in scoring phases. That set the tone for the contest, as Littler raced into a mid-match lead that Noppert struggled to recover from. Even when the Dutchman produced moments of brilliance, Littler instantly countered with combinations that felt almost inevitable.

What impressed most, however, was Littler’s calmness in the high-pressure moments. At 17 years old, he already carries himself like a player who has been on the big stage for a decade. His finishing was sharp, and his timing—often the difference between winning and losing at the top level—was once again exceptional. Several key legs saw Littler pin crucial doubles just as Noppert was waiting on a potential steal, killing the Dutchman’s momentum and maintaining full control of the scoreboard.

Noppert did have spells where he threatened a comeback, especially midway through the match when he narrowed the gap and began finding more rhythm. But each time he built a small run, Littler shut it down. A beautifully taken 121 checkout on the bull, a clutch 82 finish under pressure, and a pair of 12-darters were among the highlights of Littler’s performance. These were the kind of moments that not only win matches but break opponents mentally.

By the time Littler crossed the 16-leg finish line, the crowd erupted, fully aware they had witnessed yet another masterclass from the young superstar. His journey at this year’s Grand Prix has been defined by dominance, but this semi-final win stands out as a real show of maturity and focus. Littler didn’t just beat Noppert—he controlled him from start to finish.

For Danny Noppert, the defeat will sting, but he can leave the tournament with pride. He played brilliantly throughout the week and showed glimpses of his very best against Littler. But on this occasion, he faced a player operating at a level few in the world can match. His doubling, usually one of his strongest assets, wasn’t enough to overcome Littler’s relentless scoring and superb finishing.

As for Littler, the victory sends him into the final with huge momentum and growing confidence. Each step of the tournament has seen him sharpen his game further, and now he is just one match away from lifting yet another major trophy. The darts world has watched his rapid rise with fascination, and this latest milestone adds another chapter to what is already becoming an extraordinary career.

The question now is simple: can anyone stop him? The way Littler is playing, it will take something special. His scoring remains elite, his finishing is improving with every round, and his mental game looks far beyond his years. Whoever meets him in the final will face a monumental task.

But for now, Littler’s focus will be on maintaining this rhythm and delivering one more performance to secure the Grand Prix title. The crowd is behind him, the form is there, and the stage is set for another unforgettable night.

Luke Littler storming into the World Grand Prix final is no longer a surprise—it’s becoming an expectation. And if he produces another display like this, the trophy may soon be in his hands.