# World Grand Prix Darts: Littler's Title Defense

> Luke Littler faces crowd backlash as he aims to defend World Grand Prix title.
- Title: World Grand Prix Darts: Littler's Title Defense · Sky Sports
- Summary: Luke Littler faces crowd backlash as he aims to defend World Grand Prix title. Luke Littler seeks to defend his World Grand Prix title after recent crowd…
- Keywords: luke littler, luke humphries, gerwyn price, ross smith, world grand prix darts, mattioli arena, seattle, nfl, sports, World, Grand, Prix
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13591702/world-grand-prix-darts-will-luke-littler-successfully-defend-his-title-luke-humphries-gerwyn-price-and-ross-smith-in-the-mix
- Published: 2026-09-25T13:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: luke littler, luke humphries, gerwyn price, ross smith, world grand prix darts, mattioli arena, seattle, nfl, sports
## Littler's title defense
Luke Littler aims to defend his World Grand Prix title.
## Crowd backlash
Littler faced booing at World Series of Darts Finals exit.
## Recent loss
Littler lost 10-4 to Jonny Clayton in last eight.
## Clean sweep chase
Littler sought historic clean sweep after six major wins.
## Stephen Bunting support
Bunting says Littler has changed darts since entering scene.

> It's really hard, isn't it? Obviously, Luke is the best player in the world. For whatever reason, the crowd got on his back, they didn't want him to do the [clean sweep]
## Crowd whistling issue
Bunting says crowd whistling disrupts concentration.

> It's a horrible noise to hear when you're trying to concentrate
## Littler's next match
Littler faces Luke Woodhouse in first round.
## Humphries' pressure
Humphries aims to stay world No 2 after recent loss.
## Humphries' return
Humphries returned to action after August break.
## Humphries' goals
Humphries plans to push Littler and others to stay at No 2.

> I'm going to get back on the practice board at home as much as I can now and I'm going to dedicate the rest of the year to trying to be my best
## Wade and Smith
Wade and Smith are dark horses in tournament.
## Wade's form
Wade ended decade-long wait for European Tour title.
## Smith's success
Smith won World Series of Darts Finals to end four-year wait.
## Price and MVG
Price seeks major title after four-year gap.
## Key takeaway

Luke Littler seeks to defend his World Grand Prix title after recent crowd backlash, with Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and Ross Smith in the mix.