Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he believes he can stop Luke Littler from securing a second straight World Matchplay title, and he added that certain competitors seem to give the defending champion too much leeway. In the latest round at the historic Winter Gardens, the Welshman recorded his first World Matchplay semi‑final appearance since 2022 by edging out Ross Smith 16‑12.

Price posted an impressive average of 102.78 and sealed the match with a decisive four‑leg streak that left the crowd buzzing. Having earned his place in the last four, Price now prepares to meet world number three Gian van Veen in the semi‑final. The winner of that clash will go on to face either the young English talent Luke Littler or the Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday's final, which will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format. Littler, who has already bested Price in every Premier League encounter this season and also knocked him out in a dramatic final‑set decider at the World Masters semi‑finals, remains a formidable opponent.

Meanwhile, Price, nicknamed "The Nuke," has not lost a PDC major match that extends beyond 20 legs since his defeat in the 2024 World Championship final. The world number one continues to be the overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchprice crown. He demonstrated his class with a 109.57 average in his recent victory over Josh Rock. Yet Price insists that his dominance is not invincible.

"I think there's a lot of players that can get to that level that Luke's at," Price told reporters after his quarter‑final win. "Is there anyone who can do it as consistently as him? I think I can, and I think there are a few others, but he's ruthless at the moment – those 109, 110 averages look effortless for him." He went on to explain his perspective on the mental and tactical aspects of the game: "Sometimes players play into his hand and just let him find his rhythm. It's a case of horses for courses – you have to stick to your own game, manage the moments, and not hand him an easy path.

Occasionally, people make it a little too easy for him." Price's own quarter‑final against Smith was a roller‑coaster. He built a solid 12‑8 lead, threatened to pull even further ahead, then saw Smith claw back to 12‑12. In the end, Price steadied his nerves and finished strongly to secure the semi‑final berth. "I was delighted with the way I played most of the match, but there were a couple of legs I let slip that could have come back to haunt me," he reflected.

"I kept thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6, because I wasted opportunities. I'm happy to win, but a bit frustrated too." Van Veen, who will face Price, admitted after his own quarter‑final win over James Wade that his performance left much to be desired.

He posted a modest 93 average and even blew a four‑leg advantage before eventually closing out the match 16‑13. "It felt very poor," Van Veen told Sky Sports.

"My scoring was terrible. I was lucky James wasn't scoring as well, and my finishing saved me. The 118 finish was crucial – I really needed it. It was a tight battle, but I got the job done.

Hopefully I'll be a lot better tomorrow." The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues to unfold at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with the two semi‑finals being played over a best‑of‑33 format to decide who will contest Sunday's best‑of‑35 final. Defending champion Luke Littler is set to meet Dirk van Duijvenbode in one semi‑final, while Price will take on Gian van Veen in the other.

This will be the first time Littler has reached the last four of this event since his breakthrough, and he is keen to become the first player to retain the title in the modern era. The tournament has already produced a series of memorable moments, from high averages to dramatic finishes, and the stakes are higher than ever. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Action and around 9 pm on Sky Sports Main Event.

For those who prefer streaming, the NOW platform offers live darts alongside a range of other top‑level sports. As the weekend progresses, the darts community will be watching closely to see whether Price can fulfill his promise to halt Littler's momentum, or whether the young Englishman will prove that his back‑to‑back triumph is within reach. Either way, the blend of experience, skill, and mental fortitude on display promises a thrilling conclusion to one of the sport's most prestigious events.