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. The Welshman, who has been on a strong run this season, believes that if he can summon his "A‑game" he will be able to overcome any opponent, regardless of their form or reputation.
Littler entered the final after a dominant 17‑5 demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens. He posted an astonishing 110.88 three‑dart average and hit 16 maximums, underscoring his capacity to score at an elite level. His performance has put him on course to set a new benchmark for the highest tournament average ever recorded in the event’s history.
Price, who is currently world number one, has maintained an average above 109 across all four of his matches leading up to the final. This consistency has made him the clear favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchhead title in consecutive years. The stakes are high for both men: Price is seeking his first major televised final since 2023 and his first World Matchplay final since 2022, while Littler hopes to add another historic milestone to his rapidly growing résumé. When asked about his mindset, Price explained, "When I walk into a match I always consider myself the favourite.
That belief shapes my preparation and my confidence on the oche. If I can hit my A‑game, the opponent doesn’t matter – I will win, plain and simple." He added that Littler, despite his youth and recent success, is not immune to defeat: "If Luke is playing below his best, he knows he can lose. When I’m at my peak, I’m comfortable that the trophy will be mine." Price emphasized that his goal in Blackpool is not merely to reach another final or to improve his ranking.
"I’m here to win the tournament," he said. "I’m not interested in just adding another final to my résumé or climbing the Welsh rankings.
My focus is on lifting the trophy." The teenage prodigy Littler, who has already become the first player in PDC history to amass £3 million in prize money, is equally determined. In his press conference he remarked, "I know I’m capable of achieving great things in darts. As long as I keep playing at this level, I’ll have a real chance of taking the title again.
No one can be underestimated, especially in a final. If both Gezzy and I bring our best, the match will be a true battle." Price’s recent head‑to‑head record against Littler is not in his favour; he has lost nine straight encounters, a streak that began at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January. Nevertheless, the former world number one believes he can turn the tide.
After his quarter‑final victory over Gian van Veen, where he posted a 17‑10 win, Price admitted, "I haven’t played my best darts in this tournament yet, but I know there’s a lot more in the tank. If I can unleash that, the trophy will be mine. If not, I’ll still fight hard until the very end." Littler, meanwhile, acknowledges the pressure of being the favourite. He said, "I wouldn’t say it’s easy for anyone to beat me.
Every opponent knows they have to raise their game dramatically – at least ten times better than in the previous round – because the numbers I’m putting up are consistently high. Someone has to do something extraordinary to beat me, and I just have to keep pushing forward." The final will be contested over a best‑of‑35‑leg format, meaning the first player to reach 18 legs will claim the title.
The match is scheduled to begin around 8:15 pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with live coverage also available via streaming platforms such as NOW. Beyond the men’s final, the day will also feature the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, broadcast from 1 pm on Sky Sports Action. Defending champion Lisa Ashton will look to retain her crown, while rising star Beau Greaves aims for a third title in four years, adding another layer of excitement to the day’s programme.
In summary, the showdown between Price and Littler promises a clash of contrasting narratives: the seasoned world number one, hungry for back‑to‑back glory, versus the teenage sensation who is rewriting the record books. Both players have expressed unwavering confidence, and both have highlighted the importance of delivering their peak performance on the day.
As the oche lights shine and the crowd at the Winter Gardens buzzes with anticipation, darts fans worldwide will be watching closely to see who can truly claim the title of 2026 Betfred World Matchplay champion.