Gerwyn Price is savoring the role of the underdog as he heads into the Sunday Betfred World Matchplay final, confident that he can out‑shine defending champion Luke Littler on the Blackpool stage. The teenage prodigy, Littler, earned his place in the showdown after a dominant 17‑5 demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens, posting an eye‑popping 110.88 average and racking up 16 maximums in a display that left fans and pundits alike in awe. Price, who currently sits atop the world rankings, has maintained an average above 109 across all four of his matches en route to the final, making him the clear favourite to become the first back‑to‑back World Matchplay champion since Michael van Gerwen. Littler, meanwhile, is on the brink of setting a new benchmark for the highest tournament average ever recorded.
For Price, this final marks his first major televised final since his 2023 triumph and his first appearance at the World Matchplay since 2022. The Welshman has repeatedly emphasized that he does not view himself merely as a finalist looking to boost his ranking or claim the Welsh number‑one spot; he is there to win the title outright. "When I walk into any match I consider myself the favourite," Price said after his quarter‑final victory.
"If I play my A‑game, the opponent doesn't matter – I win, simple as that." He added, "They know that if I bring my A‑game I will win. Luke may be under‑par, but if I’m at my best, I’m fine – I’ll take the trophy." Price’s confidence is underpinned by a personal record that, despite recent setbacks, still shows promise. He has lost his last nine encounters with Littler, a streak that began at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January, yet he believes his own form can improve on the 17‑10 win he recorded over Gian van Veen in the quarter‑finals.
"I’m in a major final and I haven’t played anywhere near my best in any of these games," he admitted. "I know I have a lot more in the tank. If that comes out, I’ll lift the trophy.
If not, I’ll fight right through." Littler, only 19, has already carved his name into the history books by becoming the first player in PDC history to amass £3 million in prize money. He capped his semi‑final win with a flawless 13‑dart finish and now aims to add another major to his growing résumé, hoping to repeat his 2026 TV major sweep. "I’m capable of doing great things for myself and the sport," Littler said at his press conference.
"As long as I play like this, I hope I can pick up the trophy again. You can’t underestimate anyone, especially in a final.
If Gezzy and I have a great game tomorrow, I think I can get the win over him." The rivalry between the two has been marked by mutual respect and a shared belief that each must raise their level to claim victory. After his quarter‑final win over Ross Smith, Price suggested that some of Littler’s opponents might be making the youngster’s path easier, a comment the 19‑year‑old quickly dismissed. "I wouldn’t feel that way," Littler responded. "Every player will have to play at least ten times better against me than in the previous round because they have to.
They’ve been posting huge numbers consistently, so someone has to do something extraordinary to beat me. I just have to keep going and going." Beyond the men’s final, the weekend also features the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, airing live from 1 p.m. on Sky Sports Action.
Defending champion Lisa Ashton will look to retain her title, while rising star Beau Greaves aims for a third win in four years. The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final is scheduled for later on Sunday evening, with Price and Littler set to contest a best‑of‑35‑leg showdown. Live coverage begins at 7.30 p.m. on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with the final kicking off around 8.15 p.m.
Fans can also stream the action via NOW or other contract‑free platforms. As the two darts virtuosos prepare for what promises to be a classic encounter, the narrative is clear: Price believes his A‑game will be decisive, while Littler trusts his relentless consistency and youthful hunger to overcome any challenge. The stage is set, the lights are on, and the world will be watching to see who lifts the coveted World Matchplay trophy this year.