Gerwyn Price is embracing the role of the underdog as he heads into the Betfred World Matchplay final on Sunday, confident that he can outplay defending champion Luke Littler in Blackpool. Littler arrived at the final after a dominant 17‑5 victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens, posting a staggering 110.88 three‑dart average and hitting 16 maximums in a display that left spectators in awe.
The world number one has maintained an average above 109 across all four of his matches on the road to the final, making him the clear favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to win the tournament in consecutive years. Littler, meanwhile, is on track to set a new record for the highest tournament average ever recorded. Price is making his first major televised final appearance since 2023 and his first World Matchplay final since 2022.
The Welshman says he is determined to disrupt Littler’s bid for the title. "When I step into any match I see myself as the favourite – that’s how I think and how I prepare," Price said after his quarter‑final win.
"If I bring my A‑game, it doesn’t matter who I’m up against, I’ll win. It’s that simple." He added, "Everyone knows that if I’m playing at my best, I’m going to win. Luke knows that if he’s off his game he can lose.
As long as I’m at my A‑game, I’m fine – I’ll take the trophy." Price emphasized his ambition: "I’m here to win, not just to reach finals, climb the rankings, or become Wales’ number one. I’m here to lift the trophy." Littler, who has been unstoppable in this tournament, closed his semi‑final with a 13‑dart finish and became the first player in PDC history to reach £3 million in prize money. The 19‑year‑old now aims to add another major title to his growing collection in 2026. "I’m capable of doing great things in darts for myself," Littler said at his press conference.
"If I keep playing like this, I hope I can win the trophy again." The teenager also warned Price not to underestimate him: "You can’t write anyone off, especially not in a final. If Gezzy (Price) and I both play well tomorrow, I think I have a good chance of beating him." Price reflected on his own performance, noting that he has lost his last nine encounters with Littler, a streak that began at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January. Despite that, he believes he can improve on his 17‑10 quarter‑final win over Gian van Veen. "I’m in a major final and I haven’t played anywhere near my best in any of these games," he admitted.
"I know I have a lot more in the tank. If I can unleash it, the trophy will be mine. If not, I’ll fight my way through regardless." Littler, for his part, argued that the onus is on his opponents to raise their level. "I wouldn’t say it’s that players make it too easy for me," he replied when asked about Price’s comments.
"Every opponent will need to play at least ten times better than they did in the previous round to have a chance. They’ve been posting huge numbers consistently, so someone has to do something extraordinary to beat me.
I just have to keep pushing forward." The final will be a best‑of‑35‑leg showdown later on Sunday evening, broadcast live from 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with the decisive leg expected around 8:15 pm. The event also marks the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, featuring defending champion Lisa Ashton and three‑time winner Beau Greaves, who will compete for a third title in four years.
As the anticipation builds, darts fans can expect a clash of styles: Price’s seasoned, methodical approach versus Littler’s youthful flair and relentless scoring power. Both players have spoken about the mental and technical aspects that will decide the outcome. Price stresses preparation, confidence, and the belief that an A‑game guarantees victory, while Littler emphasizes consistency, the need for opponents to elevate their performance, and his own hunger to keep adding to his impressive resume.
Whether Price can finally break his losing streak against the prodigy or Littler will cement his status as the sport’s new dominant force remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final promises high drama, top‑class darts, and a potential historic moment for either competitor. The world will be watching as these two talents battle for the coveted title, each convinced that their game plan will prevail.