Luke Littler brought his sensational title defence to a dramatic close at the World Matchplay Darts, dispatching Gerwyn Price with an emphatic 18-9 win in Blackpool. The 19‑year‑old prodigy posted a staggering 111.53 three‑dart average and knocked down twelve 180s, delivering a masterclass against the 2022 runner‑up.
His performance featured six finishes of 100 points or more, cementing his place as only the fourth player ever to claim back‑to‑back World Matchplay crowns. The match seemed destined to end with an even larger margin when Littler surged ahead to an 11‑3 lead. Price, who averaged a respectable 104.97 throughout the tournament, fought valiantly but ultimately suffered his second runner‑up finish in four years. Littler’s consistency was remarkable – he recorded an average of at least 109 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.
This dominant run extended his flawless streak of winning every PDC televised major in 2026. In addition to the trophy, Littler broke his own record for the most 180s in a single Matchplay event and widened his lead at the top of the PDC Order of Merit. He reclaimed the Phil Taylor Trophy and walked away with the £225,000 first‑place prize, having already eclipsed the £3 million mark during his journey to the final.
The victory bolsters his ambition to capture every ranked major within a calendar year, a feat that would place him alongside the sport’s legends. Price entered the final confident, insisting before the match that he could out‑play Littler when he was at his absolute best.
The so‑called "Ice Man" never got close to his opponent’s level on the day. The opening three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a breathtaking 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of the tournament – followed by a 110 finish to hold throw and take a 4‑1 lead, even as Price posted an impressive 109‑average in that short spell. Littler then added two consecutive 11‑dart legs, and when Price held his own throw in the next leg, Littler responded with a third ton‑plus finish within the first nine legs, widening the gap further.
The world No. 1 continued his on‑fire display with finishes of 128 and 127, completing a four‑leg streak in just 47 darts and pushing the score to 11‑3.
Price attempted a comeback, clawing back a few legs, but Littler’s momentum proved unstoppable. The 19‑year‑old unleashed a spectacular late surge, hitting a dazzling 148 checkout before breaking Price’s throw in the subsequent leg. He sealed the match with an 81 finish on the bullseye, confirming a historic triumph. This win marked Littler’s tenth consecutive victory over Price and his 28th straight win in PDC majors that stretch over 20 legs – a run that began with the 2024 World Championship final.
The world No. 1’s record‑breaking performance sends a clear warning to his rivals as the season progresses. Speaking to Sky Sports, a visibly exhilarated Littler said, "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 playing on this stage is hot and demanding.
I have produced some of the best darts of my career and feel like I am playing the best version of myself." Price, reflecting on the loss, remarked, "Luke is one in a million. I think I played pretty decent, though I missed a few chances. The 167 bull checkout was a huge turning point early on.
If anyone wants to boo this kid, there is something wrong with them – he is fantastic for the sport. I wish he wasn’t as good as he is, because I would have won a few more tournaments. I could have taken a few more legs, but his finishing was effortless.
I hope no one else emerges like him because he is ridiculous! It was a great week for me, but I’m a little gutted." Looking ahead, the next PDC televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Littler returns as the defending champion after defeating Luke Humphries in last year’s double‑in, double‑out format. Following that, the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) will also be aired on Sky Sports, giving Littler further opportunities to defend his titles and chase an unprecedented clean sweep of the season’s biggest events. Fans can stay updated with Sky Sports via WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, analysis and more. The continued dominance of Luke Littler at the highest level of darts not only reshapes the competitive landscape but also inspires a new generation of players eager to emulate his precision, composure and relentless pursuit of excellence.