Gerwyn Price is confident he can derail Luke Littler's quest for a second consecutive World Matchplay crown and argues that several competitors are inadvertently making life easier for the reigning champion. In the latest round at the historic Winter Gardens, the Welshman secured his first semi‑final appearance at the tournament since 2022 by edging out Ross Smith 16‑12. Price posted a solid 102.78 three‑dart average and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg surge that left the crowd buzzing.
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 Littler or Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday’s best‑of‑35‑leg final. The tournament, broadcast on Sky Sports and streamed via NOW, promises a high‑stakes showdown as the defending champion looks to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchplay title. Price’s recent form has been impressive.
He posted a 109.57 average in his win over Josh Rock, underscoring his status as the overwhelming favourite. Yet he remains cautious, noting that the field contains players capable of matching Littler’s meteoric rise. “I think there are a lot of players that can get to that level,” Price told reporters after his quarter‑final triumph.
“Is there anyone who can do it as well as him? I think I can, and I think there are a couple of players, but he’s ruthless at the minute – those 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him.” Price also highlighted a tactical nuance: “Some players play into his hand and just let him find his rhythm. It’s horses for courses; sometimes you have to play your own game, you have to seize the moments.” He added that occasionally opponents make things “a little bit too easy” for him, suggesting that a more aggressive approach could disrupt his flow.
The quarter‑final against Smith saw Price build a commanding 12‑8 lead, only to see the match tighten to 12‑12 before he rallied to clinch the final legs. Reflecting on his performance, Price said, “I was delighted with the way I played the majority of the game, but there were a couple of legs I let slip that could have come back to haunt me. I was thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6 because I wasted opportunities.
I’m happy to get the win, but a little frustrated.” Van Veen, who will face Price, admitted his own quarter‑final was far from flawless. After edging past James Wade 16‑13, he posted a modest 93 average and even blew a four‑leg advantage before finally sealing the match. “It felt very poor,” Van Veen told Sky Sports.
“My scoring was terrible. I was lucky James wasn’t scoring as well, and my finishing got me through.
The 118 finish was crucial. It was a tight battle, but I’m glad I got the job done. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be a lot better.” The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues to deliver drama at the Winter Gardens, with the semi‑finals contested over best‑of‑33 legs to determine the finalists for the best‑of‑35‑leg championship match on Sunday.
Littler, the defending champion, will meet Dirk van Duijvenbode in his semi‑final, marking his first appearance in the last four of this event since his initial triumph. Meanwhile, Price’s encounter with Van Veen promises a clash of contrasting styles – Price’s aggressive, high‑scoring approach versus Van Veen’s gritty, comeback‑prone resilience. Beyond the immediate matchups, the tournament highlights broader trends in professional darts. Younger players like Littler are pushing the boundaries of average scores, regularly hitting 109‑plus averages that were once the domain of seasoned veterans.
This evolution forces established stars such as Price to adapt, focusing not only on raw scoring power but also on mental fortitude and strategic pacing. The comment that some opponents “play into his hand” underscores a growing awareness that tactical nuance can be as decisive as raw talent.
For fans, the weekend offers multiple viewing options. Live coverage begins Saturday at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action, with a later start on Sky Sports Main Event around 9 pm. Those preferring streaming can watch via NOW, which provides a contract‑free alternative. The tournament’s schedule ensures that viewers can follow every critical leg, from the high‑pressure semi‑finals to the climactic final where the world will learn whether Littler can secure back‑to‑back titles or if Price, van Veen, or another contender will claim the coveted trophy.
In summary, Gerwyn Price remains confident that he can halt Luke Littler’s momentum, pointing out that several players unintentionally make his path easier by allowing him to settle into his rhythm. With a strong quarter‑final performance behind him and a challenging semi‑final against Gian van Veen ahead, Price’s focus will be on maintaining his high average, capitalising on scoring opportunities, and avoiding the complacency he warned others about. The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the 2026 World Matchplay, and darts enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely to see who ultimately lifts the trophy.