Gerwyn Price is confident he can halt Luke Littler's quest for consecutive World Matchplay crowns, arguing that a number of opponents are inadvertently making life easier for the reigning champion. The Welshman secured his first semi‑final appearance at the World Matchplay since 2022 by edging Ross Smith 16‑12 at the historic Winter Gardens. During that match the "Ice Man" posted an impressive 102.78 three‑dart average and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg surge. In the semi‑finals Price will meet world number three Gian van Veen, with the victor set to face either Littler or Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in the Sunday final, which will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format.
Price’s confidence stems from his recent form: after a 109.57 average in his win over Josh Rock, he remains the overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchplay title. Nonetheless, Price insists that Littler is not invincible and that the field can still find ways to disrupt his rhythm. "I think there's a lot of players that can get to that [Littler's] level," Price told reporters after his quarter‑final victory.
"Is there anyone who can do it as well as him? I think I can and I think there are a couple of players, but he's ruthless at the minute – those 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him." He added that some competitors seem to play into Littler’s hands, allowing him to settle into his preferred tempo.
"It's a case of horses for courses – sometimes you have to stick to your own game, you have to seize the moments. Sometimes people make it a little bit too easy for him," Price explained. 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 before Price rallied to close the match.
Reflecting on his performance, Price said, "I was delighted with the way I played the majority of the game, but there were a couple of legs I let slip that could have come back to haunt me. I kept thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6, because I wasted opportunities. I'm happy to get the win, but a little frustrated as well." Van Veen, who will face Price in the semi‑final, admitted his own quarter‑final was far from flawless. He edged James Wade 16‑13, posting a modest 93 average and even squandering a four‑leg advantage before finally clinching the match.
"It felt very poor! My scoring was terrible.
I was lucky James wasn’t scoring as well and my finishing got me through. A win is a win," Van Veen told Sky Sports. He highlighted a crucial 118 checkout that turned the tide, saying, "I really needed it. It was a tight battle but I'm glad I got the job done.
Hopefully tomorrow I will be a lot better." The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with the two semi‑finals being played over a best‑of‑33‑leg format to decide who will contest the best‑of‑35‑leg final on Sunday. Defending champion Littler, who is aiming for back‑to‑back titles, will meet Dirk van Duijvenbode, marking his first appearance in the last four of this tournament. Meanwhile, Price will take on Van Veen in the opening semi‑final. Littler’s recent head‑to‑head record against Price has been dominant.
He has bested Price in every Premier League encounter this season and also triumphed in a final‑set decider at the World Masters semi‑finals. Despite this, Price remains unbeaten in PDC major matches that extend beyond 20 legs since his loss in the 2024 World Championship final, giving him a psychological edge in longer formats.
The broader narrative of the tournament underscores the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in elite darts. Players must balance heavy scoring with clinical finishing, while also managing the mental pressure of high‑stakes matches. As the semi‑finals approach, commentators are keen to see whether Price can translate his high averages into a championship‑winning performance, or whether Littler’s momentum and ruthless scoring will prove too much for the challenger. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports Action and around 9 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event. For those preferring streaming, the darts can also be watched via the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free viewing experience.
In summary, Price believes that a combination of strategic play and opponents allowing Littler too much breathing room has contributed to the young star’s recent successes. He is determined to disrupt that pattern, tighten his own game, and ultimately prevent Littler from achieving a historic back‑to‑back World Matchplay triumph. The upcoming semi‑finals will be a crucial test of both players’ resolve, skill, and ability to handle the pressure of one of darts’ most prestigious stages.