Luke Littler wrapped up an extraordinary title defence at the World Matchplay Darts with a commanding 18-9 triumph over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. The 19‑year‑old posted a staggering 111.53 average and knocked down 12 maximums, delivering a display that left the 2022 runner‑up in the dust. Littler recorded six finishes of 100 or more in a high‑scoring final, becoming only the fourth player ever to capture consecutive World Matchplay crowns.
The gap between the two seemed set to widen even further when Littler surged ahead to an 11-3 lead. Price, who averaged an impressive 104.97 throughout the tournament, fought valiantly but ultimately suffered his second runner‑up finish in four years. Throughout his flawless week at the Winter Gardens, Littler maintained an average of 109 or higher in each of his five matches, shattering the tournament scoring record that had stood since Phil Taylor’s 2010 performance. This achievement extends his streak of winning every PDC televised major in 2026.
Littler also 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 by reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and the £225,000 first‑place prize. His earnings topped the £3 million mark during the run to the final, and the latest victory bolsters his ambition to claim every ranked major within a single calendar year. Ahead of the final, Price had insisted that he could outplay Littler when he was at his "A‑game," but the so‑called "Ice Man" never got close to matching his opponent’s brilliance in what became a historic showdown. The opening three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a sensational 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of the tournament – followed by a 110 finish to hold throw and move to a 4‑1 advantage, despite Price averaging over 109 in that short burst.
Littler then added back‑to‑back 11‑dart legs, and when Price held his throw in the next leg, Littler responded with another ton‑plus finish, taking the lead to 5‑2. The world number one continued his on‑fire form, hitting 128 and 127 finishes and completing a four‑leg streak in just 47 darts, pushing the score to 11‑3.
Price tried to claw back, winning consecutive legs to spark a brief resurgence, but the gap remained significant. Price stayed within six legs of Littler for much of the match, yet the young champion unleashed a devastating late surge.
He hit a spectacular 148 checkout and then broke Price’s throw in the following leg. Littler sealed the victory with an 81 finish on the bullseye, confirming a win that will be remembered for years to come.
The result marked Littler’s tenth straight win over Price and his 28th consecutive victory in PDC major matches that extend beyond 20 legs – a streak that dates back to the 2024 World Championship final. The world number one’s record‑breaking performance sends a clear warning to his rivals as the season progresses. Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler described the week as "crazy" and "one of the best weeks of my life," acknowledging that the statistics may make the achievement look effortless, but the pressure of the stage is intense.
"I have played some of the best darts of my life. I feel like it is the best version of myself – I have just been playing so well!" he added.
Price, meanwhile, praised his opponent, calling Littler "one in a million" and admitting that missed opportunities and the early 167 checkout were turning points. "If anyone wants to boo this kid there is something wrong with them. He is fantastic for this sport. I wish he wasn't as good as he was, because I would have won a couple more tournaments," Price said, expressing both admiration and a hint of frustration at his own defeat.
Looking ahead, the next PDC‑ranked televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September–4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Littler will return as defending champion after last year’s victory over Luke Humphries in the double‑in, double‑out format. Further down the calendar, the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14–22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December–3 January) will also be shown on Sky Sports. Littler will be aiming to retain his titles at both events, while the darts world watches to see whether anyone can finally break his dominant run.
Fans can stay updated with the latest sports news, video highlights, analysis, and more by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The upcoming weeks promise a packed schedule of high‑stakes darts action, and all eyes will be on Littler as he strives to cement his place among the sport’s all‑time greats.