Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he believes he can halt Luke Littler's quest for a consecutive World Matchplay crown, arguing that some competitors inadvertently give the defending champion an advantage. In the latest round of the tournament, Price secured his first semi‑final appearance at the World Matchplay since 2022 by edging out Ross Smith 16‑12 at the historic Winter Gardens. The Welshman, nicknamed the "Ice Man," posted an impressive 102.78 three‑dart average and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg surge that left Smith with little chance of a comeback.
Advancing to the last four, Price now meets world number three Gian van Veen in a high‑stakes semi‑final. The victor of that clash will earn the right to face either Littler or Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in the tournament's final, a best‑of‑35‑leg showdown scheduled for Sunday. The event continues to draw attention not only for the quality of darts on display but also for the narratives surrounding the players' form and mental approach. Throughout the season, Littler has held a perfect record against Price in the Premier League, winning every encounter, including a dramatic final‑set decider in the World Masters semi‑finals.
Conversely, Price has remained unbeaten in PDC major matches that extend beyond 20 legs since his loss in the 2024 World Championship final, underscoring his resilience in longer formats. Despite being the world number one and the overwhelming favorite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to successfully defend a World Matchplay title, Price insists that his dominance is not insurmountable.
After his quarter‑final triumph, Price told reporters, "I think there's a lot of players that can get to that [Littler's] level. Is there anyone who can do it as long as him? I think I can and I think there's a couple of players, but he's ruthless at the minute – these 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him." He added that some opponents seem to play into Littler's rhythm, essentially handing him an easier path. "It's horses for courses, and sometimes you have to play your game, you have to play the moments.
Sometimes, people make it a little bit too easy for him," he explained, highlighting the psychological element of the sport. Price's own performance against Smith was not without its frustrations. He built a commanding 12‑8 lead in the quarter‑final, only to see Smith claw back to 12‑12 before Price rallied to close the match.
Reflecting on the experience, Price said, "I was delighted with the way I played the majority of the game, but there are a couple of legs I let slip that could have come back to haunt me. I was thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6, because I wasted opportunities. I'm just happy to get a win, but a little frustrated." On the other side of the draw, Gian van Veen admitted that his own quarter‑final victory over James Wade, which ended 16‑13, exposed areas needing improvement. Van Veen posted a modest 93 average and even squandered a four‑leg advantage before finally sealing the win.
"It felt very poor! My scoring was terrible.
I was lucky James wasn't scoring as well and my finishing got me through. The 118 finish – 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," he told Sky Sports.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues to unfold at the iconic Winter Gardens, with the semi‑finals being contested over a best‑of‑33‑leg format to determine the finalists for Sunday's best‑of‑35‑leg climax. Defending champion Luke Littler, who aims to become the first player in recent history to retain the title, will meet Dirk van Duijvenbode in his semi‑final. Meanwhile, Price's encounter with van Veen promises a clash of contrasting styles: Price's relentless scoring power against van Veen's gritty, comeback‑prone approach.
Beyond the immediate matches, the tournament highlights several broader themes within professional darts. The importance of maintaining a high three‑dart average, especially in longer formats, cannot be overstated. Players like Price and Littler consistently breach the 100‑average barrier, a benchmark that separates the elite from the rest of the field. Additionally, the mental resilience required to navigate pressure moments—such as finishing on high checkouts or recovering from missed doubles—plays a decisive role in determining outcomes.
The event also showcases the growing role of media coverage and streaming platforms. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Action and moving to Sky Sports Main Event around 9 pm.
For those preferring online viewing, the NOW streaming service offers an alternative without contractual obligations, reflecting the sport's adaptation to modern viewing habits. Looking ahead, the question on everyone's mind is which player will ultimately lift the World Matchplay trophy this year. Will Price finally break Littler's streak and add another major title to his resume? Or will Littler cement his status as a back‑to‑back champion, overcoming the challenges posed by van Duijvenbode and the ever‑present threat of Price?
The semi‑finals promise high drama, and the final will likely be a showcase of the very best darts the sport has to offer. As the weekend unfolds, viewers can expect nail‑biting finishes, high averages, and the occasional surprise upset. The blend of experience, youthful talent, and strategic nuance makes the World Matchplay a premier event on the darts calendar. Whether you are a long‑time fan or a newcomer, the tournament provides an exciting glimpse into the competitive spirit and skill that define professional darts today.