Gerwyn Price is confident that he can halt Luke Littler's attempt to secure consecutive World Matchplay crowns, and he believes that certain opponents are unintentionally making his job easier. The Welshman, known as the "Ice Man," booked his first appearance in a World Matchplay semi‑final since 2022 by dispatching Ross Smith 16‑12 at the historic Winter Gardens. In that match Price posted a solid 102.78 three‑dart average and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg burst at the end. Advancing to the last four, Price now meets world number three Gian van Veen.
The victor of that semi‑final will go on to face either the defending champion Luke Littler or Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in the Sunday final, which will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format. Throughout the season, Littler has had the upper hand on Price in the Premier League, defeating him in every head‑to‑head meeting and even edging him out in a dramatic final‑set showdown at the World Masters semi‑finals. Conversely, Price has remained unbeaten in PDC major matches that stretch beyond 20 legs since his loss in the 2024 World Championship final, underscoring his consistency in longer formats.
The world number one remains the overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchplay title. He posted a staggering 109.57 average in his quarter‑final victory over Josh Rock, yet he insists that his dominance can be challenged. "I think there are a lot of players who can reach the level that Luke is at," Price told reporters after his win.
"Can anyone do it as consistently as 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, allowing him to dictate the pace of the match. "It’s a case of horses for courses – you have to stick to your own game, manage the moments, and sometimes players make it a little too easy for him," he said. In the quarter‑final against Smith, Price built a commanding 12‑8 lead and threatened to widen the gap further.
However, Smith fought back to level the match at 12‑12 before Price rallied to close out the win and secure his place in the semi‑finals. Reflecting on his performance, Price said, "I was pleased with how I played most of the game, but there were a couple of legs I let slip that could have cost me later. I kept thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6, but I wasted opportunities.
I'm happy to have the win, though a bit frustrated with the missed chances." Van Veen, on the other hand, admitted his own performance needed improvement after edging past James Wade 16‑13. He recorded a modest 93 average and even squandered a four‑leg advantage before finally sealing the match. "It felt very poor," Van Veen confessed to Sky Sports. "My scoring was terrible, and I was lucky James wasn’t scoring as well.
My finishing saved me. The 118 checkout was crucial.
It was a tight battle, but I got the job done. I hope to be much better tomorrow." The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with both semi‑finals played over a best‑of‑33‑leg format to determine the finalists for Sunday’s best‑of‑35‑leg showdown. Defending champion Luke Littler will seek to become the first player in recent memory to claim back‑to‑back titles when he meets Dirk van Duijvenbode, while Price will clash with Gian van Veen in the other semi‑final.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning 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. Overall, the tournament has highlighted the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in professional darts.
While Price’s confidence and high scoring ability make him a formidable opponent, he acknowledges that maintaining focus and avoiding complacency are essential, especially when opponents may unintentionally grant him an advantage by playing into his rhythm. Van Veen’s candid assessment of his own play underscores the mental resilience required to bounce back after a shaky performance.
As the semi‑finals approach, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Price can finally dethrone Littler and add another World Matchplay title to his résumé, or whether the young Englishman will cement his place in darts history with a historic consecutive triumph. The stage is set, the legs are ready, and the world will be watching as these top‑class players vie for one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies.