Luke Littler wrapped up an extraordinary title defence at the World Matchplay Darts with a commanding 18-9 triumph over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The 19‑year‑old prodigy posted a staggering 111.53 three‑dart average and struck twelve 180s, showcasing a level of consistency and firepower rarely seen on the big stage. His six ton‑plus finishes in the final not only underscored his scoring prowess but also cemented his place as only the fourth player ever to capture back‑to‑back World Matchplay crowns. From the outset, Littler seemed destined to dominate.
He surged ahead to an 11-3 lead, a margin that hinted at an even wider victory. Price, who entered the match with a respectable 104.97 average throughout the tournament, fought valiantly but ultimately suffered his second runner‑up finish in four years. Despite Price's best efforts, Littler's relentless scoring and clinical finishing proved too much for the seasoned Welshman.
Littler's week at the Winter Gardens was nothing short of flawless. He averaged 109 or higher in each of his five matches, shattering the tournament's scoring record previously held by Phil Taylor since 2010. By doing so, he extended his unbeaten run in PDC televised majors for 2026, adding another prestigious trophy to his rapidly growing collection.
The young Englishman also broke his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay event, a testament to his relentless practice and natural talent. The victory also had significant implications for the PDC Order of Merit. By reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and the £225,000 first‑place prize, Littler widened his lead at the top of the rankings.
He had already crossed the £3 million earnings threshold during his run to the final, and this latest triumph bolsters his ambition to claim every ranked major within a single calendar year – a feat that would place him alongside the sport's all‑time greats. Price entered the final confident, insisting before the match that he could out‑play Littler when he was at his "A‑game".
The "Ice Man" was unable to match his opponent's precision, however, and the final quickly turned into a showcase of Littler's dominance. The first three legs went with throw, after which Littler produced a sensational 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of the tournament – followed by a 110 finish to hold throw and establish a 4‑1 lead, even as Price averaged over 109 in that short burst. Littler then added two consecutive 11‑dart legs, further extending his advantage.
He continued to pile on the pressure with a series of high‑scoring visits, including 128 and 127 finishes, and completed a four‑leg streak in just 47 darts, pushing the score to 11‑3. Price attempted a comeback, winning a handful of legs in succession, but Littler's momentum was unstoppable.
The young champion stayed within six legs of his opponent before launching a decisive late surge. He finished a dazzling 148 checkout and then broke Price's throw in the following leg. To seal the win, Littler hit an 81 finish on the bullseye, a fitting climax to a historic performance. The result marked Littler's tenth consecutive victory over Price and his 28th straight win in PDC majors that extend beyond 20 legs – a streak that began at the 2024 World Championship final.
This relentless run sends a clear message to the rest of the field: Littler is the player to beat as the season progresses. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Littler described the week as "crazy" and "one of the best weeks of my life". He acknowledged the difficulty of performing under the bright lights of the Winter Gardens, noting that the statistics might suggest an easy win, but the reality of the stage is far more demanding. "I have played some of the best darts of my life.
I feel like it is the best version of myself – I have just been playing so well!" he said. Price, meanwhile, praised his opponent, calling Littler "one in a million".
He admitted that a missed opportunity early in the match – the 167 checkout – proved pivotal. "If anyone wants to boo this kid there is something wrong with them. He is fantastic for this sport," Price said, adding that he wished Littler weren't as good because it would have given him a better chance at more titles. He concluded with a mix of admiration and disappointment: "I probably could have pinched a few more legs but his finishing was just effortless.
I hope there is nobody else like him coming through, because he is ridiculous! It was a great week for me but I am a little bit gutted!" Looking ahead, the next PDC televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Littler returns as the defending champion after last year's victory over Luke Humphries in the double‑in, double‑out format. Following that, the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) will also be shown on Sky Sports, offering Littler further opportunities to defend his titles and continue his quest for a clean sweep of the year's majors.
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