Luke Littler produced the perfect response to pre-match doubts as he cruised to victory over Beau Greaves on Saturday night.The world No.1 kickstarted his Grand Slam of Darts title defence with a 5-2 win in Wolverhampton.Littler made an emphatic start to his Grand Slam of Darts defenceTaylor Lanning/PDCIt marked his first-ever victory over Greaves, who beat Littler in the semi-finals of last year’s World Youth Championship.However, history would not repeat itself this time around as the Nuke put one foot into the last-16.Despite averaging an impressive 103.82, Greaves was no match for the two-time world champion as he raced into a 3-0 lead.She would respond by twice holding on her own throw, but the damage was already done.Littler ended the match with seven 180s in just seven legs and a 109.97 average as he moved to the top of group A.His unbeaten run at the Grand Slam of Darts now stands at 15 matches, with the 19-year-old yet to lose at the event.What did Littler say after his win over Greaves?Speaking to Sky Sports after his win over Greaves, Littler explained: “I’m happy with the win.“I needed to get off to a strong start because Beau started to find it at the end.“I just had to finish how I started. I was very good at the scoring, but 29 per cent on the doubles needs to improve.“Beau was fantastic, but I’m happy with myself and I’m still 100 per cent here in Wolverhampton.”View Tweet: https://t.co/OFsNJkRNwtHe continued: “I love it here. I remember my first year, last year was the same and this year is the same.“If I am performing like this then I’m going to be happy. It’s what I need. The last three or four majors haven’t gone well, but I’ve been practising and I’m glad I’ve shown it.“It’s perfect timing. With myself not going to Minehead for the Players Championship, this is the last major before the World Championship. “After this, there’s a few exhibitions, and hopefully it works out.”The teenage sensation will now face Niels Zonneveld in his final group stage match on Monday.Zonneveld’s clash with Greaves on Sunday will determine what the reigning champion needs to advance to the knockout stage.Littler produced seven 180s in seven legs as he cruised to victoryTaylor Lanning/PDCLittler silences doubtersLittler’s impressive display silenced pre-match question marks from Wayne Mardle.Prior to the contest, the former World Matchplay finalist had questioned Littler’s recent form – and backed Greaves to win 5-3.Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage, Mardle admitted: “I’m not convinced by what I’ve seen in the last few months. When he plays well, he wins.“The drop-off in the doubling stats – that’s the difference here. I think it’s the focus.”The win over Greaves marked Littler’s first match since crashing out of the European Championship on October 25.After losing to Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-finals in Dortmund, he snubbed the last four Players Championship events of the year.Littler is looking to win his 15th PDC major – and his sixth in 2026Getty ImagesAs a result, Littler will not be present at this month’s Players Championship Finals in Minehead.Instead, the Grand Slam of Darts represents his final outing before the PDC World Darts Championship.Littler will be aiming to win a third successive title at Alexandra Palace.However, he has not clinched a PDC premier event since winning the World Matchplay back in July.The World Series Finals, World Grand Prix and European Championship have all eluded him since.