Gerwyn Price warns Luke Littler after Matchplay semi berth
Gerwyn Price has issued a title warning to Luke Littler after booking a World Matchplay semi-final in Blackpool. The Welshman insists he can thwart the defending champion’s bid for back-to-back crowns, saying some rivals make it too easy for the ruthless world No. 1. Price faces Gian van Veen next.
Key Takeaways
- Price beat Ross Smith 16-12 at the Winter Gardens to reach his first World Matchplay semi-final since 2022.
- He faces world No. 3 Gian van Veen in Saturday’s best-of-33 last four, with Littler meeting Dirk van Duijvenbode.
- Littler remains favourite to defend his title after a 109.57 average in his quarter-final win over Josh Rock.
- Price says rivals “make it a little bit too easy” for the “ruthless” teenager and believes he can match that level.
The Ice Man closed out Smith with a four-leg burst and a 102.78 average, according to Sky Sports. He built a 12-8 lead, then saw the score tied at 12-12 before finishing strongly.
Price admitted he was delighted with most of his game but frustrated by wasted chances. “I’m thinking I should be 13-7 or 14-6,” he said after the win.
Why did Gerwyn Price warn Luke Littler?
Price told reporters he thinks several players can reach Littler’s level — and that he is one of them. He also argued that opponents sometimes play into The Nuke’s rhythm instead of disrupting it.
“He’s ruthless at the minute — these 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him,” Price said. “Sometimes, people make it a little bit too easy for him.”
Littler beat Price in every Premier League meeting this season and in a World Masters semi-final decider. The world No. 1 is also unbeaten in PDC major matches over 20 legs since his 2024 World Championship final loss.
Who plays whom in the World Matchplay semi-finals?
Saturday’s semi-finals at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens are best of 33 legs. Price opens against Van Veen, who edged James Wade 16-13 despite calling his scoring “terrible” and posting a 93 average.
Van Veen said a 118 finish helped him survive a tight battle and hopes to improve against Price. The winner faces either Littler or Van Duijvenbode in Sunday’s best-of-35 final.
Van Duijvenbode reached the Matchplay last four for the first time after beating Gary Anderson 16-13. Racing Post notes he has already seen off higher-ranked players Chris Dobey and Michael van Gerwen this week.
Can anyone stop Luke Littler in Blackpool?
Littler remains the overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to defend a World Matchplay crown. He crushed Josh Rock and has raced through the draw with dominant averages.
Title odds as short as 1-4 underlines how hard rivals rate stopping him. Still, Price’s message is clear: play the moments, break the rhythm, and the teenager can be challenged.
For more odd and viral sports storylines, browse our Bizarre World hub. The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final is set for Sunday at the Winter Gardens.