Gerwyn Price is confident that he can halt Luke Littler's attempt to secure consecutive World Matchplay crowns, arguing that certain opponents are allowing the defending champion too much breathing room. After a solid performance at the Winter Gardens, Price advanced to his first World Matchplay semi‑final since 2022 by defeating Ross Smith 16‑12. The Welshman posted an impressive 102.78 average and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg streak at the end of the match. In the semi‑finals, Price will meet world number three Gian van Veen.
The victor of that clash will go on to face either Littler or Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in the final, a best‑of‑35‑leg showdown scheduled for Sunday. Littler has enjoyed the upper hand in their head‑to‑head meetings this season, beating Price in every Premier League encounter and also edging him out in a final‑set decider at the World Masters semi‑finals.
Meanwhile, Price – nicknamed "The Nuke" – remains unbeaten in PDC major matches that extend beyond 20 legs since his loss in the 2024 World Championship final. The world number one is the overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchplay title. He posted a 109.57 average in his recent victory over Josh Rock, yet he insists that his dominance can be challenged.
"I think there are a lot of players who can reach Littler's level," Price told reporters after his quarter‑final win. "Can anyone match him? I think I can, and I think a few others can as well, but he's ruthless right now – those 109, 110 averages look effortless for him." Price added that some competitors seem to play into Littler's rhythm, making it easier for the young star to dictate the pace of the match.
"It's a case of horses for courses – you have to play your own game, seize the moments, and sometimes players make it a little too easy for him," he explained. During his quarter‑final against Smith, Price built a strong 12‑8 lead, briefly threatened to pull further ahead, then saw the match level at 12‑12 before pulling away again to clinch the win. He reflected on his performance, saying, "I was pleased with most of my darts, but there were a few legs I slipped up on that could have cost me.
I kept thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6, but I wasted chances. I'm happy to win, though a bit frustrated." Van Veen, on the other hand, admitted he needs to tighten his game after a hard‑fought quarter‑final victory over James Wade, which he won 16‑13 despite posting a modest 93 average and squandering a four‑leg lead. "It felt very poor," Van Veen told Sky Sports.
"My scoring was terrible, and I was lucky James wasn't scoring as well. My finishing saved me. The 118 finish was crucial. It was a tight battle, but I got the job done.
Hopefully I'll be a lot better tomorrow." The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with both semi‑finals played as best‑of‑33 legs to determine the finalists for Sunday's best‑of‑35 showdown. Defending champion Littler is aiming for a historic back‑to‑back triumph and will meet Van Duijvenbode, marking his first appearance in the last four of this event. Price will face Van Veen in the other semi‑final. The tournament has generated considerable buzz among darts fans, with many analysts debating whether Price's experience and higher averages can overcome Littler's youthful confidence and recent form.
Price's track record in major PDC events, especially his consistency in long‑format matches, gives him a strategic edge. However, Littler's rapid rise, his ability to hit high averages under pressure, and his recent success against top‑ranked players suggest that the final could be a tightly contested affair.
Beyond the immediate matches, the event highlights broader themes in professional darts: the importance of mental resilience, the impact of momentum swings, and how small lapses in scoring can be decisive in long‑format contests. Both Price and Van Veen have spoken about the need to stay focused and avoid giving opponents easy opportunities. Their comments underscore a common belief that many players unintentionally aid their rivals by allowing them to settle into a rhythm.
Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning Saturday at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and around 9 pm on Sky Sports Main Event. For those who prefer streaming, the darts can also be watched via NOW, which offers a contract‑free viewing experience. The final promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of glory in one of darts' most prestigious tournaments.