Gerwyn Price is embracing the role of the underdog as he prepares for the Betfred World Matchplay final on Sunday, confident that his top‑level performance will be enough to outplay defending champion Luke Littler in Blackpool. The Welshman, who has been riding a wave of form throughout the tournament, insists that if he brings his "A‑game" to the oche, the opponent’s reputation will not matter.
Littler entered the championship match after a spectacular semi‑final in which he dismantled Dirk van Duijvenbode 17‑5 at the Winter Gardens. The 19‑year‑old produced an eye‑popping 110.88 average and hit 16 maximums, underscoring his status as one of the sport’s most lethal scorers.
His display was a continuation of a remarkable run that has seen him challenge historic records, including the potential to set the highest tournament average ever recorded. Price, the world number one, has been equally impressive, posting an average above 109 in each of his four matches leading up to the final.
His consistency has made him the clear favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchplay title. Nevertheless, both competitors are aware that the final will be a battle of precision, nerves, and mental strength.
The Welshman’s confidence is rooted in his belief that he always enters a match as the favourite, a mindset that shapes his preparation. "When I go into any game I'm the favourite, that's the way I believe and that's the way I prepare," Price said after his quarter‑final win.
He added that when he performs at his best, the identity of his opponent becomes irrelevant: "I really believe that if I hit my A‑game, it doesn't matter who I play, I'm winning, simple as that." Price also addressed the psychological edge he thinks he holds over Littler. "They know if I play my A‑game, I will win.
Obviously Luke, if he's under par he knows he can lose. If my A‑game's there, I'm OK, I'll win," he explained. The Welshman emphasized that his goal this weekend is not merely to reach another final or climb the rankings but to secure the trophy outright.
"I'm in this tournament to win. I'm not here to just make finals and jump up the rankings and get to Wales' number one – I'm here to win," he declared. Littler, for his part, has made history by becoming the first player in PDC history to amass £3 million in prize money, and he is eager to add another major title to his burgeoning résumé. After his semi‑final victory, he told the press conference, "I'm obviously capable of doing many great things in the sport and obviously for myself.
As long as I play like this, then hopefully I can pick up the trophy again." He also warned Price not to underestimate him: "You can't underestimate anyone, never mind a final. As long as me and Gezzy [Price] have a really good game tomorrow, hopefully I can get the win over him." The rivalry between the two has been marked by a recent streak of nine consecutive defeats for Price at the hands of Littler, a run that began at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January. Despite that record, Price believes he can reverse the trend.
"I'm in a major final and I haven't played anywhere near my best in any of these games," he admitted, adding that he feels he still has plenty of untapped potential. "If that comes out, then I'll lift the trophy.
If not, I'll battle right through." Littler’s confidence is equally unshakable. He noted that opponents often feel compelled to raise their game dramatically when facing him, stating, "I know that every player is going to play at least 10 times better against me than the previous round, because they have to.
They've been putting in these numbers consistently, game after game, then someone's got to do something really special to beat me. I've just got to keep going and going." The final will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format, with both players needing to win 18 legs to claim the title. The match is scheduled to begin around 8.15 pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, following a full day of other World Matchplay action, including the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, where defending champion Lisa Ashton and rising star Beau Greaves will vie for the crown.
Beyond the immediate drama, the final carries broader significance for the sport. A victory for Price would mark a rare back‑to‑back World Matchplay triumph, reinforcing his status as one of the modern greats. Conversely, a win for Littler would cement his place as the youngest player to dominate the PDC circuit, potentially rewriting the narrative of darts’ generational shift.
Both men have highlighted the importance of mental resilience. Price has spoken about the pressure of expectations, saying, "When you are the favourite, people expect you to win, and that can be a heavy load. But I thrive under that pressure because it fuels my focus." Littler, meanwhile, acknowledges the weight of being a teenage prodigy, noting, "People look at my age and think I have less experience, but the more I play against top players, the more I learn how to handle big moments." The final will also be a test of endurance. A best‑of‑35‑leg match can stretch well beyond two hours, demanding sustained concentration and stamina.
Both competitors have shown they can maintain high averages deep into matches, with Price averaging over 109 across his four previous games and Littler delivering a 110.88 average in his semi‑final. As the countdown to the showdown continues, fans can expect a clash of contrasting styles: Price’s methodical, power‑driven approach versus Littler’s rapid, high‑scoring tempo.
The outcome will likely hinge on who can keep their nerves in check during the critical moments – the doubles that decide legs and the checkouts that turn the tide. Regardless of the result, the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final promises to be a landmark event in darts history, showcasing the sport’s blend of seasoned expertise and youthful brilliance. Whether Price’s belief in his A‑game prevails or Littler’s meteoric rise continues, the world will be watching as two of the game’s brightest talents vie for one of the most prestigious trophies in the sport.