LUKE LITTLER is set for a crunch opening clash at the World Grand Prix following an unlucky draw for the darts sensation.
The tournament will take place from October 7-13 at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester with the winner set to leave with a lucrative £600,000 prize money.
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Littler, 17, though, is facing an uphill battle from the first round as he has been paired with former world champion Rob Cross.
The Premier League champion is among five debutants in this year’s competition.
Reigning world champion Luke Humphries will defend his title against reigning Masters champion Stephen Bunting.
World No2 Michael Smith, on the other hand, will take on Gary Anderson in another box office clash.
And six-time World Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen faces Daryl Gurney.
Gerwyn Price opens up against Danny Noppert, while reigning European Champion Peter Wright meets James Wade.
Jonny Clayton hosts debutant Ritchie Edhouse and Dave Chisnall comes up against another newcomer in Cameron Menzies.
Nathan Aspinall faces Ryan Searle and Raymond van Barneveld locks horns with Ricardo Pietreczko.
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Ross Smith takes on Gian van Veen, while Josh Rock starts out against Ryan Joyce.
Martin Schindler will meet Brendan Dolan, while Chris Dobey kicks his campaign off against Joe Cullen.
And Aussie No1 Damon Heta collides with Mike De Decker, while UK Open champion Dimitri van den Bergh faces Luke Woodhouse.
World Grand Prix 2024 Draw
THE WORLD Grand Prix draw put together some exciting opening matches:
Luke Humphries v Stephen Bunting
Raymond van Barneveld v Ricardo Pietreczko
Jonny Clayton v Ritchie Edhouse
Gian van Veen v Ross Smith
Rob Cross v Luke Littler
Brendan Dolan v Martin Schindler
Nathan Aspinall v Ryan Searle
Josh Rock v Ryan Joyce
Michael Smith v Gary Anderson
Mike De Decker v Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price v Danny Noppert
Peter Wright v James Wade
Michael van Gerwen v Daryl Gurney
Chris Dobey v Joe Cullen
Dave Chisnall v Cameron Menzies
Luke Woodhouse v Dimitri Van den Bergh
