Gerwyn Price reaches World Matchplay final vs Littler
Gerwyn Price booked his place in the Betfred World Matchplay final in Blackpool after beating Netherlands' Gian van Veen 17-10, setting up a Sunday showdown with defending champion Luke Littler. The Welsh seventh seed's win also lifts him to Welsh number one and fourth on the PDC Order of Merit.
Key Takeaways
- Gerwyn Price beat Gian van Veen 17-10 to reach his second World Matchplay final.
- Luke Littler crushed Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5 and will defend his title on Sunday.
- Price climbs above Jonny Clayton to become Wales' No.1 on the Order of Merit.
- The best-of-35 final starts at 20:05 BST at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
Who did Gerwyn Price beat to reach the final?
Price, the seventh seed, broke in the opening leg and charged into a 4-1 lead against world No.3 Gian van Veen. A scrappy stretch followed, with both players swapping breaks, before Price led 11-9 at the final mini-break.
From there the Welshman stretched clear in scoring and finishing to seal a 17-10 win. Both missed 23 darts at a double, while Van Veen was broken nine times in 14 legs throwing first on a difficult night.
Price told Sky Sports he was "happy" to reach the final, but said "getting one up" on good friend Jonny Clayton was his main focus going into the tie — a result that also made him Welsh number one.
How did Luke Littler reach Sunday's showdown?
Defending champion Littler strolled into the final with a 17-5 demolition of unseeded Dirk van Duijvenbode. The world No.1 raced to an 8-2 lead while averaging 117.10 and briefly threatening Phil Taylor's tournament match average record of 114.99.
Littler admitted that chase distracted him and his level dipped, finishing just below a 111 average. His tournament average still sits at 110.88, well above Taylor's event mark of 106.31.
According to BBC Sport, Littler has averaged more than 109 in all four matches and extended a streak to 28 successive wins in games of 20 or more legs. He has also moved past £3m on the PDC Order of Merit, more than £2m clear of Luke Humphries.
Why does the Gerwyn Price vs Luke Littler final matter?
Littler is aiming to become only the third back-to-back World Matchplay winner, joining Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. Price is in his second Matchplay final and must reverse recent history: Littler has won their past nine meetings, with Price's last success coming in their opening clash of 2026.
The Welshman has never beaten Littler in a match of more than 15 legs, and Sunday's final is best of 35. Littler said the pair "always have great games" and that Price will try to drag him into a "roaring battle."
Coverage of the men's final begins from 19:30 BST on Sunday, with the Women's World Matchplay in the afternoon from 13:00. For more offbeat and viral sports round-ups, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub.