Luke Littler wrapped up an extraordinary title defence at the World Matchplay Darts with a commanding 18-9 win over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The 19‑year‑old prodigy posted a staggering 111.53 average and struck twelve 180s, showcasing a level of consistency and firepower rarely seen on the televised stage.
His six ton‑plus finishes in the high‑scoring final cemented his place in the record books as only the fourth player ever to claim back‑to‑back World Matchplay crowns. From the outset, Littler seemed destined to run away with the match. He surged ahead to an 11‑3 lead, a margin that hinted at an even larger victory.
Price, who had averaged 104.97 throughout the tournament and was the 2022 runner‑up, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, marking his second runner‑up finish in four years. Littler’s consistency was remarkable: he averaged 109 or higher in each of his five matches at the Winter Gardens, shattering the tournament’s scoring record that had stood since Phil Taylor set it in 2010. The night was also notable for Littler breaking his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay event.
The young champion extended his lead at the top of the PDC Order of Merit, reclaiming the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy and taking home the £225,000 first‑place prize. His earnings topped the £3 million mark during the run to the final, and the victory bolstered his ambition to sweep every ranked major in a single calendar year. In the pre‑match press conference, Price claimed he felt ready to challenge Littler with his "A‑game," but the so‑called "Ice Man" could not match his opponent’s precision in what turned out to be a historic showdown. The first three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a sensational 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of the tournament – followed by a clean 110 to hold his throw and open a 4‑1 lead, even as Price averaged over 109 in that brief spell.
Littler’s momentum continued as he recorded consecutive 11‑dart legs, then responded to Price holding his own throw by delivering a third ton‑plus finish within the opening nine legs. A spectacular scoring burst saw the world No.
1 hit 128 and 127 finishes, completing a dominant four‑leg streak in just 47 darts and pushing the score to 11‑3. Price tried to claw back, winning successive legs to spark a potential comeback, but Littler’s composure never wavered.
The champion stayed within six legs of Price before unleashing another late surge. He hit a dazzling 148 checkout and then broke Price’s throw in the next leg.
To seal the triumph, Littler finished with an 81 finish on the bullseye, a fitting end to a match that highlighted his clinical finishing. The win marked Littler’s tenth consecutive victory over Price and his 28th straight win in PDC major matches exceeding 20 legs – a streak that stretches back to the 2024 World Championship final. His record‑breaking display sent a clear message to the rest of the field as the season progresses.
After the match, Littler told Sky Sports, "It has been a crazy week – one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I have thrown don’t look easy on the stats, but being on this stage is hot and demanding. I’ve played some of the best darts of my career and feel like I’m the best version of myself right now." Price, speaking candidly, said, "Luke is one in a million. I think I played decently, though I missed a few chances.
That 167 checkout early on was a turning point for him. If anyone wants to boo this kid, they’re missing the point – he’s fantastic for the sport. I wish he wasn’t as good because I’d have taken a few more titles.
His finishing was effortless; I hope no one else comes through like him. It was a great week for me, but I’m a little gutted." Looking ahead, the next major PDC televised event is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, with live coverage on Sky Sports. Littler will return as the defending champion after beating Luke Humphries in the double‑in, double‑out format last year. Further down the calendar, the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving Littler the opportunity to defend his titles in both tournaments.
Fans can stay updated with Sky Sports via WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, analysis, and more. The upcoming weeks promise a thrilling continuation of the darts season, with Luke Littler poised to chase an unprecedented clean sweep of all major titles, while Gerwyn Price and other rivals will be looking to close the gap and challenge the young phenom’s dominance.