Gerwyn Price is relishing the ‘underdog’ tag in Sunday’s Betfred World Matchplay final and insists he can get the better of defending champion Luke Littler in Blackpool.
Littler charged into the final with a 17-5 demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens, firing a 110.88 average and 16 maximums during another blistering display of scoring.
The world No 1 has averaged over 109 in all four matches during his run to the final and is firm favourite to become the first back-to-back winner since Michael van Gerwen, with Littler also on course to deliver the highest tournament average in history.
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Luke Littler reacts to his World Matchplay semi-final victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode and his hopes for more Blackpool success
Price is through to his first major TV final since 2023 and first at the World Matchplay since 2022, with the Welshman confident of derailing Littler’s title challenge.
“When I go into any game I’m the favourite, that’s the way I believe and that’s the way I prepare,” Price insisted after his victory. “I really believe that if I hit my A-game, it doesn’t matter who I play, I’m winning, simple as that.
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Gerwyn Price and Gian van Veen delivered big celebrations during their Blackpool semi-final
“They know if I play my A-game, I will win. Obviously Luke, if he’s under par he knows he can lose. If my A-game’s there, I’m OK, I’ll win.”
Price added: “I’m in this tournament to win. I’m not here to just make finals and jump up the rankings and get to Wales’ number one – I’m here to win.
“Luke’s going to be a massive favourite in the final, but definitely don’t underestimate me!”
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Gerwyn Price reflects on his dominant World Matchplay semi-final win against Gian van Veen
Price has lost his last nine matches against Littler, a run stretching back to the Bahrain Darts Masters in January, although the former world No 1 believes he can improve on Saturday’s 17-10 win 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 insisted. I know I’ve got a lot more in the tank.
“If that comes out, then I’ll lift the trophy. If not, I’ll battle right through.”
‘Something really special to beat me’ – Littler eyes more history
Littler closed out the contest with a 13-darter and becomes the first player in PDC history to reach £3m in prize money, with the teenager now looking to extend his record of winning every TV major title in 2026.
“I’m obviously capable of doing many great things in the sport and obviously for myself,” Littler said in his press conference. “As long as I play like this, then hopefully I can pick up the trophy again.
The numbers behind Luke Littler’s impressive semi-final win
“You can’t underestimate anyone, never mind a final. As long as me and Gezzy [Price] have a really good game tomorrow, hopefully I can get the win over him.
Price said after his quarter-final win over Ross Smith that he felt ‘some players make it too easy’ for Littler, but the 19-year-old believes it’s down to his opponents to up their game to beat him.
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Mark Webster admits he can’t see anyone beating Luke Littler at this year’s World Matchplay Darts
“I wouldn’t feel that way,” Littler added. “I know that every player is going to play at least 10 times better against me than the previous round, because they have to.
“They’ve been putting in these numbers consistently, game after game, then someone’s got to do something really special to beat me. I’ve just got to keep going and going.”
What’s next?
Sunday afternoon sees the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, live from 1pm on Sky Sports Action, with Lisa Ashton returning as defending champion and Beau Greaves looking to win the event for a third time in four years.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final takes place later that evening, with Littler taking on Price in a best-of-35-leg contest.
Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Live coverage begins on Sunday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with the final getting under way around 8.15pm. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
