Gerwyn Price is embracing the role of the underdog as he prepares for Sunday’s Betfred World Matchplay final, where he is confident he can outplay defending champion Luke Littler in Blackpool. Littler earned his place in the showdown after a dominant 17‑5 demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens, posting an astonishing 110.88 average and hitting sixteen 180s in a display that left spectators breathless. 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 in consecutive years. Meanwhile, Littler is on track to set a new benchmark for the highest tournament average ever recorded. Price is heading into his first major televised final since 2023 and his first World Matchplay final since 2022. The Welshman insists that he can disrupt Littler’s title bid, stating, “When I walk into any match I consider myself the favourite – that’s how I think and how I prepare.

If I’m playing my A‑game, the opponent doesn’t matter. I’ll win, plain and simple.” He added, “Everyone knows that if I’m on my A‑game I’m going to win. Luke can be under‑par, but if I’m firing on all cylinders I’m fine – I’ll take the trophy.” Price emphasized his purpose in the tournament: “I’m here to win, not just to make finals, climb the rankings, or become Wales’ number one. My goal is to lift the trophy.” Littler, who stormed through to the final, has already made history by becoming the first PDC player to amass £3 million in prize money.

The 19‑year‑old is also chasing a clean sweep of every televised major title in 2026. In his post‑match press conference he said, “I know I can achieve great things in darts. As long as I keep playing like this, I’ll have a real shot at the trophy again.” He warned Price not to underestimate him: “Luke will be a massive favourite, but don’t count me out. If both Gezzy and I bring a strong game tomorrow, the win could go either way.” Price acknowledged a personal hurdle: he has lost his last nine encounters with Littler, a streak dating back to the Bahrain Darts Masters in January.

Nevertheless, he believes he can improve on his 17‑10 quarter‑final victory over Gian van Veen. “I’m in a major final and I haven’t played anywhere near my best in any of these games,” Price admitted. “I know I have a lot more in the tank.

If I can unleash that, the trophy is mine; if not, I’ll still fight hard.” Littler responded to criticism that other players might be making his path too easy, insisting the onus is on his opponents to raise their level. “I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “Every player will have to play at least ten times better against me than they did in the previous round because they have to. They’ve been posting huge numbers game after game, so someone has to do something extraordinary to beat me.

I just have to keep pushing.” The final will be a best‑of‑35‑leg clash later on Sunday evening, following the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, which kicks off at 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. Live coverage of the men’s final 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. Fans can also stream the action via NOW.

The stage is set for a dramatic showdown between a seasoned champion seeking back‑to‑back glory and a young prodigy eager to cement his place in darts history.