Gerwyn Price is confident that he can derail Luke Littler's pursuit of a consecutive World Matchplay crown, arguing that a number of competitors "make it too easy" for the reigning champion. The Welshman secured his first semi‑final appearance at the Winter Gardens since the 2022 edition by defeating Ross Smith 16‑12, posting a respectable 102.78 average and sealing the win with a decisive four‑leg streak.
In the next round Price will meet world No. 3 Gian van Veen in a quarter‑final that promises high‑quality darts. The victor will move on to the final, where the opponent will be either Littler or Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, with the final scheduled as a best‑of‑35‑leg showdown on Sunday.
Littler has enjoyed a dominant head‑to‑head record against Price this season, having beaten him in every Premier League encounter and also edging him out in a dramatic final‑set decider at the World Masters semi‑finals. Despite that, Price remains unbeaten in PDC majors that extend beyond 20 legs since his loss in the 2024 World Championship final, and he is the clear favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchplay title. He entered his quarter‑final win over Smith with a 109.57 average against Josh Rock, yet he insists that his own run can be halted.
"I think there's a lot of players that can get to that level that Luke is playing at," Price said after the match. "Is there anyone who can do it as consistently as him? I think I can, and I think a few others can as well, but he's ruthless at the moment – those 109, 110 averages look effortless for him." Price also warned that opponents sometimes allow Littler to settle into his rhythm, effectively handing him an easy path.
"Sometimes players play into his hand and just let him find his flow. It's a matter of matching the course; you have to play your own game and seize the moments. Occasionally, people make it a little too easy for him." The quarter‑final against Smith saw Price build a solid 12‑8 lead, only to see the gap close to 12‑12 before he rallied to close out the match and reach the last four. Reflecting on his performance, he said, "I was pleased with how I played most of the game, but there were a few legs I slipped up on 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 have the win, though a little frustrated." Van Veen, who will face Price, admitted his own quarter‑final against James Wade was far from perfect. He won 16‑13 despite a modest 93 average and a squandered four‑leg lead. "It felt very poor," he told Sky Sports.
"My scoring was terrible. I was lucky James wasn't scoring as well and my finishing saved me. The 118 checkout was crucial. It was a tight battle, but a win is a win.
I hope to be a lot better tomorrow." The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the historic Winter Gardens, with the semi‑finals played as best‑of‑33 legs to determine the two finalists for Sunday's best‑of‑35 finale. Defending champion Littler aims to become the first player in a decade to retain the trophy, meeting Van Duijvenbode in what will be his inaugural semi‑final appearance at this event.
Meanwhile, Price will clash with Van Veen in the other semi‑final. Both matches are expected to showcase a blend of high scoring, strategic finishing, and mental resilience.
Price's experience in major finals and his reputation as "The Ice Man" give him an edge, but Littler's aggressive style and recent dominance over top‑ranked opponents make him a formidable hurdle. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with Saturday coverage beginning at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and around 9 pm on Sky Sports Main Event. The tournament will also be streamed through the NOW platform, offering an alternative for viewers without a traditional TV subscription. As the weekend unfolds, the darts community will be watching closely to see whether Price's confidence in disrupting Littler's momentum holds true, or if Littler will once again demonstrate why he is considered a future legend of the sport.
The stakes are high, the atmosphere at the Winter Gardens is electric, and every leg could prove pivotal in the quest for the coveted World Matchplay trophy.