Gerwyn Price is confident he can derail Luke Littler's attempt to retain his World Matchplay crown and argues that a number of competitors are inadvertently making the defending champion's path easier. In the latest round at Blackpool’s historic Winter Gardens, the Welshman secured his first World Matchplay semi‑final appearance since 2022 by edging out Ross Smith 16‑12. Price posted a solid 102.78 three‑dart average and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg streak that left Smith scrambling for answers.
The victory sets up a quarter‑final clash with world number three Gian van Veen, and the winner of that encounter will move on to face either Littler or Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in the final, which will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format on Sunday. Littler has enjoyed the upper hand in their head‑to‑head meetings this season, beating Price in every Premier League encounter and also prevailing in a dramatic final‑set showdown 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, and he is the overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to successfully defend a World Matchplay title. His recent 109.57 average in a win over Josh Rock underscores his formidable form, yet Price insists that his dominance can be challenged.
"I think there's a lot of players that can get to that [Littler's] level," Price told reporters after his quarter‑final win. "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, "I think some players play into his hand and just let him play with his rhythm.
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." Price’s own performance against Smith was not without its hiccups. After building a comfortable 12‑8 lead, he found Smith clawing back to 12‑12 before pulling ahead again to clinch the match.
Reflecting on the contest, 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 kept thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6 – I wasted opportunities and maybe shouldn't have thought like that.
I'm just happy to get a win, but a little frustrated as well." Van Veen, who will meet Price in the semi‑final, admitted his own quarter‑final against James Wade was a mixed bag. He edged the former world champion 16‑13, but not without squandering a four‑leg advantage and posting a modest 93 average. "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, "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." The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues to unfold at the iconic Winter Gardens, with Saturday’s semi‑finals played over a best‑of‑33‑leg format to determine the two finalists for Sunday’s best‑of‑35 showdown. Defending champion Littler is set to face Van Duijvenbode, marking his first appearance in the last four of this event since his initial triumph.
Meanwhile, Price will look to capitalize on his momentum against Van Veen. Both matches promise high‑octane darts, and the question on everyone’s mind is which player will ultimately lift the trophy. The tournament will be broadcast live throughout the weekend on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and continuing around 9 pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
Fans can also stream the action via NOW, ensuring that the drama of the World Matchplay reaches a global audience. As the stakes rise, Price’s assertion that opponents are giving Littler too much leeway adds an intriguing narrative layer. Whether he can translate his confidence into a victory over a resilient Van Veen, and whether Littler can fend off the relentless Dutch challenger, will be decided in the next 33 legs. The darts world watches with anticipation, aware that a single missed double or a moment of brilliance can swing the balance in a sport where precision and composure are paramount.