Gerwyn Price is embracing the role of the underdog as he prepares for Sunday’s Betfred World Matchplay final, confident that he can outplay defending champion Luke Littler in Blackpool. Littler entered the showdown after a commanding 17‑5 victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens, posting an astonishing 110.88 three‑dart average and hitting 16 maximums in a display that left fans breathless.
The world number one has maintained an average exceeding 109 across all four matches that have taken him to the final, making him the clear favorite to become the first player to retain the World Matchplay title since Michael van Gerwen. Meanwhile, Littler is on track to set a new benchmark for the highest tournament average ever recorded. Price’s appearance in this final marks his first major televised final since 2023 and his first World Matchplay final since 2022.
The Welshman says he is determined to derail Littler’s bid for the crown. “When I step onto the oche I always see myself as the favorite – that’s the mindset I bring and the way I prepare,” Price said after his quarter‑final win. “If I’m playing at my A‑game, the opponent doesn’t matter. I’ll win – it’s that simple.” He added, “Everyone knows that if I’m on my A‑game I’m going to win.
Luke can certainly lose if he’s not at his best. As long as I’m playing at my highest level, I’m fine – I’ll take the title.” Price emphasized his purpose in the tournament: “I’m here to win, not just to reach another final, climb the rankings, or claim the Welsh number one spot. My goal is to lift the trophy.” Littler, for his part, has been unstoppable on his way to the final. He capped his semi‑final win with a flawless 13‑dart finish and became the first player in PDC history to amass £3 million in prize money.
The 19‑year‑old now aims to add another major to his growing collection of TV titles in 2026. “I'm capable of achieving great things in darts, and if I keep playing like this I hope to add another trophy to my cabinet,” Littler said at his press conference. “You never underestimate anyone, especially in a final.
If Gezzy [Price] and I both bring our best games tomorrow, I think I have a good chance of coming out on top.” Price acknowledged that he has lost his last nine encounters with Littler, a streak that began at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January. Nevertheless, he believes he can improve on his recent 17‑10 triumph over Gian van Veen. “I’m in a major final and I haven’t produced my best darts yet in any of these matches,” Price admitted. “I know there’s still a lot left in the tank.
If I can tap into that, the trophy will be mine; if not, I’ll still fight hard.” Littler responded to criticism that other players were making his path too easy, insisting the onus is on his opponents to raise their level. “I wouldn’t say that,” he replied. “Every player who faces me will have to play at least ten times better than they did in the previous round because the stakes are higher. They’ve been putting up incredible numbers consistently, and eventually someone has to do something extraordinary to beat me.
I just have to keep pushing forward.” The final, a best‑of‑35‑leg showdown, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event on Sunday evening, with coverage beginning at 7:30 pm and the final expected to start 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, who will compete from 1 pm on the same channel. Both Price and Littler have expressed respect for each other’s abilities, yet each is determined to seize the moment.
Price’s confidence rests on his belief that playing his A‑game guarantees victory, while Littler’s confidence is built on his record‑breaking performances and the notion that any opponent must elevate their game to stand a chance. As the darts community looks ahead to the climax of the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay, the question on everyone’s mind is clear: will the seasoned world number one finally break his losing streak against the prodigious teenager, or will Littler cement his place in history by becoming the first back‑to‑back champion since van Gerwen? The answer will be decided on the oche in Blackpool, where every dart, every checkout, and every moment of composure will determine who lifts the coveted trophy.
Fans can stream the match and other top‑flight sport without a contract through NOW, ensuring that the drama of the final reaches a global audience. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the world will be watching to see who emerges as the champion of this year’s World Matchplay darts tournament.