Gerwyn Price is embracing the underdog narrative ahead of Sunday’s Betfred World Matchplay final, insisting that if he brings his best performance he can outplay defending champion Luke Littler in Blackpool. The Welshman, who has been a dominant force on the PDC circuit, believes that a flawless display will be enough to neutralise Littler’s recent surge.
Littler arrived at the final after a spectacular semi‑final victory, crushing Dirk van Duijvenbode 17‑5 at the Winter Gardens. He posted a staggering 110.88 three‑dart average and recorded 16 maximums, underscoring his reputation as one of the most prolific scorers in the tournament. The 19‑year‑old’s performance has set the stage for what could be a historic final, with the potential to produce the highest ever tournament average.
Price, the current world No.1, has been equally impressive throughout his run, averaging over 109 in each of his four matches. His consistency makes him the clear favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to claim back‑to‑back World Matchplay titles.
Yet he remains keenly aware that Littler’s form could rewrite the record books. "When I step into any match I see myself as the favourite – that’s how I prepare and how I think," Price said after his quarter‑final win. "If I’m playing my A‑game, the opponent doesn’t matter. I win, plain and simple." He added, "Everyone knows that if I’m at my best I’ll take the trophy.
Luke knows that if he’s off‑form he can lose, but when I’m on my A‑game I’m confident I’ll come out on top." Price is heading into his first major televised final since his 2023 triumph and his first World Matchplay final since 2022. He stresses that his goal is not merely to add another final appearance to his résumé, but to secure the championship outright. "I’m here to win, not just to make finals and climb the rankings or become Wales’ number one again," he asserted.
"If I’m firing on all cylinders, the trophy will be mine; if not, I’ll still fight hard." The rivalry between the two has a recent history. Price has lost his last nine encounters with Littler, a streak that began at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January.
Despite this, Price remains confident that he can turn the tide, pointing to his own experience in high‑pressure environments. "I haven’t played anywhere near my best in any of the games leading up to this final," Price admitted.
"I know I have a lot more in the tank, and if I can tap into that, the trophy will be mine." Littler, meanwhile, closed his semi‑final with a 13‑dart finish and became the first player in PDC history to amass £3 million in prize money. He is eager to add another major title to his growing collection, aiming to win every TV major in 2026. "I’m capable of achieving great things in darts, and as long as I keep playing like this I can lift the trophy again," Littler told reporters.
"You never underestimate anyone, especially in a final. If Gezzy and I both bring a strong game tomorrow, I think I have a good chance of winning." After his own quarter‑final victory over Ross Smith, Price remarked that some players seemed to make it too easy for Littler, suggesting that the young star’s dominance was partly due to opponents not raising their level. Littler disagreed, insisting that each opponent will try to improve dramatically to dethrone him.
"I wouldn’t say that," Littler replied. "Every player knows they have to play at least ten times better against me than in the previous round. The numbers keep climbing, and eventually someone will have to do something extraordinary to beat me.
I just keep pushing forward." The final will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format, with the match scheduled for the evening of Sunday. Live coverage begins at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with the decisive leg expected around 8:15 pm. The event also coincides with the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, featuring defending champion Lisa Ashton and three‑time winner Beau Greaves.
For viewers, the tournament offers a showcase of elite darts, contrasting the seasoned precision of Price with the youthful fire of Littler. Both players have demonstrated an ability to hit high averages, multiple maximums, and rapid finishes, promising a final that could set new statistical benchmarks. Beyond the on‑stage drama, the final carries broader significance for the sport. A back‑to‑back win for Price would cement his status among the modern greats, while a victory for Littler would underline the rapid rise of the new generation and perhaps signal a shift in the competitive hierarchy.
Fans can follow the action via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for real‑time updates, video highlights, and expert analysis. The match will also be streamed without a contract on platforms that support live darts coverage, ensuring that enthusiasts worldwide can witness what many expect to be a classic showdown. In summary, the Betfred World Matchplay final pits the experienced, world‑number‑one Gerwyn Price against the meteoric talent of Luke Littler. Price’s confidence in his A‑game and his desire to add another major title to his cabinet contrast with Littler’s unbeaten run and ambition to become the first player to win every TV major in a single year.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could reshape the narrative of professional darts for years to come.