Gerwyn Price is confident he can halt Luke Littler's attempt to retain his World Matchplay crown and has suggested that some competitors effectively hand the defending champion an advantage. In the quarter‑final at Blackpool's historic Winter Gardens, the Welshman recorded his first semi‑final appearance at the tournament since 2022, edging past Ross Smith 16‑12.
Price produced a solid 102.78 average and sealed the win with a decisive four‑leg streak that left the crowd buzzing. Having dispatched Smith, Price now prepares to meet world number three Gian van Veen in the semi‑final.
The victor of that clash will go on to face either Littler or Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday's final, which will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format. The tournament’s schedule advises fans to view the video streams using the Chrome browser for the best experience. Littler has enjoyed the upper hand in their recent Premier League meetings, beating Price in every encounter this season, including a dramatic final‑set decider in the World Masters semi‑finals.
Conversely, Price remains unbeaten in PDC major matches that extend beyond 20 legs since his loss in the 2024 World Championship final, underscoring his reputation as a resilient competitor. World number one Michael van Gerwen is the only player in recent history to successfully defend a World Matchplay title, and Price is the overwhelming favourite to join that elite group. He posted a 109.57 average in his quarter‑final win over Josh Rock, yet he insists that Littler is not invincible. "I think there's a lot of players that can reach that level," Price told reporters after his victory.
"Is there anyone who can do it as consistently as him? I think I can, and I think a few others can too, but he's ruthless right now – those 109, 110 averages look effortless for him." Price added that some opponents seem to play into Littler's rhythm, making his job easier. "It's a matter of playing your own game and seizing the moments.
Sometimes people make it a little bit too easy for him," he said, highlighting the psychological edge that can be gained when an opponent fails to disrupt a champion's flow. In his quarter‑final against Smith, Price built a commanding 12‑8 lead before the match tightened to 12‑12. He then found his form again, pulling away to secure the win and a place in the last four. Reflecting on his performance, he admitted, "I was pleased with most of my darts, but I slipped in a few legs that could have cost me later.
I kept thinking I should be 13‑7 or 14‑6, but I wasted chances. I'm happy to have won, though a bit frustrated." Van Veen, who will face Price, confessed that his own quarter‑final against James Wade exposed areas needing improvement.
He posted a modest 93 average and even blew a four‑leg advantage before eventually clinching the match 16‑13. "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 saved me.
The 118 checkout was crucial. It was a tight battle, but I got the job done. I hope to be much better tomorrow." The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues this Saturday at the iconic Winter Gardens, with both semi‑finals played as best‑of‑33 legs to determine the finalists for Sunday's best‑of‑35 showdown. Defending champion Littler aims for back‑to‑back titles when he meets Van Duijvenbode, marking his first appearance in the last four of this event.
Meanwhile, Price will test Van Veen's form in the opening semi‑final. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and around 9:00 pm on Sky Sports Main Event. The tournament can also be streamed via NOW, offering a contract‑free way to watch darts and other top sports.
The stakes are high, the venues historic, and the players poised to deliver a weekend of high‑quality darts that could reshape the narrative of the sport for years to come.