Gerwyn Price is embracing the role of the underdog as he heads into Sunday’s Betfred World Matchplay final, confident that he can outplay defending champion Luke Littler on the Blackpool stage. Littler arrived at the final after a dominant 17‑5 demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens, posting an eye‑catching 110.88 three‑dart average and hitting 16 maximums in a display that underscored his scoring prowess. The world number one has maintained an average above 109 across all four matches that have taken him to the final, making him the clear favorite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to claim back‑to‑back titles at the event.

Littler, meanwhile, is on track to set a new benchmark for the highest tournament average ever recorded. Price, who is making his first major televised final since his 2023 triumph and his first World Matchplay final since 2022, says he is ready to disrupt Littler’s title bid.

"When I step into any match I consider myself the favorite – that’s the mindset I train with," Price said after his quarter‑final win. "If I bring my A‑game, the opponent doesn’t matter – I’ll win, plain and simple." He added, "Everyone knows that if I’m playing at my best, I’m going to win. Luke may be under‑par, but if I’m on my A‑game, I’m fine – the victory is mine." Price emphasized his ambition: "I’m here to win, not just to reach finals, climb the rankings or become Wales’ number one.

My goal is the trophy." Littler’s path to the final was equally impressive. He closed his semi‑final with a flawless 13‑dart finish and became the first player in PDC history to amass £3 million in prize money. The teenage prodigy now aims to add another TV major to his growing collection in 2026.

"I know I can achieve great things in darts for myself," Littler said at his press conference. "If I keep playing like this, I hope to lift the trophy again. No one should be underestimated, especially in a final.

If Gezzy and I both have a strong game tomorrow, I think I can take the win." Price acknowledged a recent string of defeats to Littler – nine straight losses dating back to the Bahrain Darts Masters in January – but remains convinced he can turn the tide. "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 still fight hard." Littler responded to criticism that other players make his matches too easy, insisting the onus is on his opponents to raise their level. "I wouldn’t say that," he replied.

"Every player will have to play at least ten times better against me than in the previous round because they have to. They’ve been posting huge numbers consistently, so someone has to do something extraordinary to beat me. I just keep pushing forward." The weekend also features the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, kicking off at 1 p.m.

on Sky Sports Action. Lisa Ashton returns as the defending champion, while Beau Greaves looks to claim a third title in four years. The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final is scheduled for later on Sunday evening, pitting Littler against Price in a best‑of‑35‑leg showdown.

Live coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with the final expected to start around 8:15 p.m. Fans can also stream the action via NOW. The stage is set for a dramatic clash between a hungry underdog and a seasoned champion, each determined to prove that their A‑game will be the decisive factor in one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments.