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 in Blackpool. Littler earned his place in the final by crushing Dirk van Duijvenbode 17‑5 at the Winter Gardens, posting a staggering 110.88 average and hitting 16 maximums in a display that left spectators in awe. The world No.
1 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 back‑to‑back. Meanwhile, Littler is on the verge of setting a new benchmark for the highest tournament average ever recorded.
Price is now appearing in his first major televised final since 2023 and his first World Matchplay final since 2022. The Welshman insists that he can derail Littler’s title bid and is determined to seize the moment.
"When I step onto the oche I always see myself as the favourite – that’s how I think and how I prepare," Price said after his quarter‑final win. "If I hit 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 may be under‑par, but if I’m on my A‑game, the result is the same – I’ll come out on top." Price made it clear that his goal is not merely to reach another final or climb the rankings. "I’m here to win the tournament, not just to make another final and boost my ranking.
I’m aiming for the trophy," he declared. Littler, meanwhile, has been unstoppable on his way to the Blackpool showdown. He capped his semi‑final performance with a 13‑dart finish and became the first player in PDC history to amass £3 million in prize money. The 19‑year‑old now hopes to add another major title to his growing résumé in 2026.
"I know I’m capable of achieving great things in darts, and if I keep playing like this I can lift the trophy again," Littler said in his post‑match press conference. "You never underestimate anyone, especially not in a final. If Gezzy and I both bring our best game tomorrow, I think I have a good chance of winning." 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 17‑10 semi‑final victory over Gian van Veen.
"I haven’t played anywhere near my best in any of these matches, but I know I have a lot more in the tank. If I can unleash that, the trophy will be mine. If not, I’ll still fight hard," he said. 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 don’t think anyone is making it easy for me. Every player knows they have to play at least ten times better against me than they did in the previous round.
The numbers keep coming, so someone has to do something extraordinary to beat me. I just keep pushing forward," he explained. The final will be a best‑of‑35‑leg duel, scheduled for later on Sunday evening. Live coverage begins at 7:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with the decisive leg expected around 8:15 p.m. In addition to the men’s showdown, the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay will be broadcast from 1 p.m. on Sky Sports Action.
Defending champion Lisa Ashton will look to retain her title, while Beau Greaves aims for a third win in four years. Both Price and Littler have expressed a fierce desire to claim the Betfred World Matchplay crown. Price’s confidence is rooted in his belief that an A‑game guarantees victory, while Littler’s confidence stems from his record‑breaking performances and the momentum he has built throughout the tournament.
As the two competitors prepare for what promises to be a tightly contested final, fans can expect a display of high‑calibre darts, strategic brilliance, and the mental fortitude required to thrive on the world stage. Whether Price’s experience and determination will outweigh Littler’s youthful precision remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will be remembered as a classic encounter between two of the sport’s brightest talents.