Grand Slam of Darts 2025: Luke Littler Frustrated by Day Off as He Eyes Title Defence

Luke Littler is raring to keep his momentum rolling at the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts, and unlike most, he was disappointed to learn he has a day off today.

The 18-year-old, who is aiming to defend his Grand Slam title this week in Wolverhampton, now has to wait a day before his quarterfinal clash against friend and fellow player Josh Rock.

No Days Off

We caught up with Littler post-match to find out why he’s frustrated at having a day off and why he’s not eager for a break.

The rising star is keen to get back on stage as soon as possible, eager to build on the rhythm he established against Dutchman Wessel Nijman in the round of 16 last night.

“I was expecting to be playing again. Now that the groups are done, I just want to play and play, day after day.”

“Because I played so well today. I know it goes up to first to 16, and there’s even more darts to be played. I want more time to get that average up and get that double percentage off, but I’ll have to take a day off.”

Watching the Competition 

Today, Littler will have to stay in his hotel room with his family and watch his main rival Luke Humphries take to the oche against former world champion Michael Smith.

The Nuke admitted that he and his family always have darts on the television whenever he isn’t playing, a habit he knows not all professionals share, but one he embraces to stay connected to the tournament.

“Me, my mum and dad always watch it whenever we’re not playing. Some players probably don’t watch it when they’re not playing, but we always watch it.”

“There’s no point not watching it because we want to know what’s going on.”

Eyes on Humphries 

He revealed that he even caught Humphries’ last-round match against Jurjen van der Velde, where, despite a suspected back spasm, Humphries still produced an almost 110 average to secure his quarterfinal spot.

“I think Luke’s [Humphries] playing very well. I played very well tonight. It’s a longer format now and I’ve got to focus on Josh [Rock].”

Littler also discussed how it’s not always easy for players like him and Humphries to consistently hit super-high three-dart averages, but it’s something they are capable of due to their mental strength.

“Us players we can average those 110, 115s, but we’ve got to back it up in the game. And probably five times out of 10 we don’t. It’s a hard sport; you’ve got to get back in that mentality.”

No Disappointment if Humphries Pulls Out

When asked about Humphries’ injury and whether he’d be disappointed if his rival had to withdraw, Littler said he wouldn’t be, as the earliest they could meet would be in a potential final.

“It wouldn’t disappoint me if he did pull out on. He’s on the opposite side of the draw; we’d only meet until the final as one and two.”

He did send his well-wishes, hoping Humphries will recover in time, while focusing on his own campaign.

“I’ve seen he put on Instagram that he’s getting some [muscle] therapy, so hopefully he’s back. But I’ve just got to focus on my side of the draw.”