Gerwyn Price is confident that he can derail Luke Littler's attempt to retain the World Matchplay crown and has suggested that certain opponents are inadvertently giving the defending champion too much leeway. After a solid performance at the Winter Gardens, the Welshman secured his first semi‑final appearance in the tournament since 2022, edging past Ross Smith 16‑12.
During that match Price posted an impressive average of 102.78 and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg streak at the end. In the semi‑finals, Price will meet world number three Gian van Veen. The victor of that encounter will go on to face either Littler or Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in the final, which is scheduled for Sunday and will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format.
Littler has enjoyed a dominant head‑to‑head record against Price this season, winning every Premier League meeting between them as well as a tight final‑set showdown in the World Masters semi‑finals. Conversely, Price remains unbeaten in PDC major events 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 successfully defend a World Matchplay title, especially after posting a 109.57 average in his recent victory over Josh Rock. Nonetheless, Price insists that his reign can be halted.
After his quarter‑final win, Price told reporters, "I think there are a lot of players who can reach the level that Luke is at. Is there anyone who can do it as consistently as him? I think I can, and I think there are a couple of players who can, but he’s ruthless at the minute – those 109, 110 averages look so easy for him." He added, "Sometimes players play into his hand and just let him dictate the rhythm. It’s a matter of playing your own game and seizing the moments.
Occasionally, people make it a little bit too easy for him." Price built a comfortable 12‑8 lead over Smith in the quarter‑final before the match tightened to 12‑12. He eventually pulled away to secure the semi‑final berth. Reflecting on the encounter, he said, "I was delighted with the way I played most of the game, but there were a few legs I let slip that could have haunted me later.
I kept thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6, because I wasted chances. I’m happy to get the win, but a bit frustrated as well." Van Veen, who will face Price, admitted after his own quarter‑final win over James Wade (16‑13) that his scoring needed improvement. He posted a 93 average and even blew a four‑leg advantage before finally closing out the match. "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 historic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with the two semi‑finals played as best‑of‑33 legs to determine the finalists for Sunday’s best‑of‑35 showdown. Defending champion Littler aims for a back‑to‑back title when he meets Dirk van Duijvenbode, while Price will take on Van Veen in the other semi‑final. The tournament has generated considerable buzz, not only because of the high‑stakes matches but also due to the strategic narratives emerging among the competitors. Price’s comments about opponents unintentionally easing his path highlight the psychological chess that underpins professional darts.
Players must balance aggressive scoring with tactical restraint, ensuring they do not hand their rivals easy opportunities to settle into a rhythm. Littler’s rise has been meteoric; at just 22, he has already captured a World Matchplay crown and is now chasing history by attempting to become the first to defend it since van Gerwen. His aggressive style, marked by frequent 180s and high averages, forces opponents to elevate their own game. Yet Price believes that even a player of Littler’s calibre can be disrupted by a well‑timed surge or a momentary lapse in concentration.
The semi‑finals promise to be a showcase of contrasting styles. Price, known as the "Ice Man" for his cool composure under pressure, relies on steady scoring and clinical finishing. Van Veen, by contrast, is a rising Dutch talent who mixes rapid scoring bursts with a willingness to take calculated risks on high‑checkout routes. Their clash will test whether consistency can outshine flair.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Sky Sports Action and moving to Sky Sports Main Event around 9 p.m. For those preferring streaming, the NOW platform offers live darts alongside a broader sports lineup.
The tournament’s schedule ensures that viewers can catch every critical leg, from the opening throws to the final double that decides the champion. As the weekend unfolds, the darts community will watch closely to see whether Price can fulfill his promise of stopping Littler’s momentum, or whether the young Englishman will cement his place among the sport’s elite with a historic consecutive World Matchplay triumph. Either way, the semi‑finals at the Winter Gardens are set to deliver high drama, precision, and the kind of thrilling finishes that keep fans returning to the oche season after season.