Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price power their way into the World Matchplay Final
Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price power their way into the World Matchplay Final
Luke Littler will face Gerwyn Price in the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final after dismantling Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5 in another breathtaking display at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Saturday night.
The defending champion produced his fourth consecutive average above 109 – finishing with a stunning 110.88 – as he swept aside Van Duijvenbode to continue one of the most dominant runs ever seen at the World Matchplay.
Littler exploded out of the blocks, averaging a remarkable 117 after the opening ten legs to establish an emphatic 8-2 advantage. Although Van Duijvenbode briefly stemmed the tide with a brilliant 146 checkout to reduce the deficit to 8-3, the world number one remained in complete control.
The 19-year-old extended his advantage to 12-3 with a clinical 130 finish before missing five match darts in his attempt to wrap up a 17-4 victory, allowing the Dutchman to delay the inevitable.
Littler eventually sealed his place in a second successive World Matchplay final with a clinical 13-darter, while also becoming the first player in PDC history to surpass £3 million in career prize money.
“I was probably more focused about the highest average which I shouldn’t have been, but we got the job done and now it’s back-to-back finals,” admitted Littler, whose display ranks as the seventh-highest average in World Matchplay history.
“I saw my average on the screen at one point and it was 117! It was another good performance.
“I want to stay dominant. I want to keep winning and winning.”
Littler’s dominance was reflected throughout the statistics. He produced just nine visits without a treble across the 22-leg contest, landed 16 maximums and converted 50% of his attempts at double in another darting masterclass.
The reigning champion now carries a remarkable tournament average of 110.88 into Sunday’s showpiece, putting Phil Taylor’s long-standing World Matchplay record average of 106.31, set in 2010, firmly under threat.
“I want to try and beat Phil’s record, so I’ve got to keep going,” insisted Littler.
“Me and Gezzy always have great games. We’ve had great games in the Premier League this year, and last year at the World Grand Prix.
“I think Gezzy will want to get me into a roaring battle tomorrow, but as long as I can get into the lead, I’ll be happy.”
Price booked his place in the final after defeating Gian van Veen 17-10 to reach his first televised ranking final since 2023 and his second World Matchplay final.
The Welshman made a blistering start, opening up a 6-1 lead with the aid of a classy 125 checkout before Van Veen responded with four consecutive legs to close the gap.
However, Price quickly regained control, stretching his advantage to 11-7 before winning six of the final seven legs to move within one victory of a maiden Phil Taylor Trophy.
“I’m more happy to be Welsh number one!” smiled Price, whose semi-final success lifted him back to world number four and above Jonny Clayton in the rankings.
“Jonny’s been Welsh number one for a year and a half, or two years. But I’m back!
“For the first six months of the season, I’ve been playing really well. I probably haven’t played as much as I should have.
“To reach a final, I’m happy. I was more nervous today, I wanted to reach a final and get back into the top four of the world and become Welsh number one.”
Sunday’s final promises another blockbuster clash between two of the sport’s biggest names, with Littler chasing a successful title defence and Price aiming to lift the World Matchplay crown for the first time in his career.
Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price power their way into the World Matchplay Final
2026 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday July 25
Semi-Finals
Gerwyn Price 17-10 Gian van Veen
Luke Littler 17-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
2026 Betfred World Matchplay
Sunday July 26 (2000 BST *)
The Final
Luke Littler v Gerwyn Price
Best of 35 legs
