Why it's trending
Gerwyn Price is trending because he reached the World Matchplay final, setting up a highly anticipated clash with the dominant Luke Littler. The match is drawing attention due to their on-stage rivalry and Littler's record against Price.
Gerwyn Price advanced to the World Matchplay final with a 17-10 victory over Gian van Veen in Blackpool, setting up a Sunday showdown against defending champion Luke Littler. Littler earlier demolished unseeded Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5, averaging nearly 111. Littler has now amassed over £3 million on the PDC Order of Merit, more than £2 million clear of world number two Luke Humphries.
The final will be Price's second at the Matchplay. He faces an uphill task: Littler has won the last nine encounters between the pair, with Price's last win in their opening meeting of 2026. Price has never beaten Littler in a match longer than 15 legs. The pair share a rivalry marked by Price's on-stage antics, which Littler says do not get under his skin.
Littler is chasing a second consecutive Matchplay title, joining Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as back-to-back winners. His tournament average of 110.88 is on pace to break Taylor's record of 106.31. The Welshman Price, meanwhile, has won 10 of his 12 matches in this year's event but must overcome a 28-match winning streak for Littler in contests of 20 or more legs.
The final begins at 20:05 BST at the Winter Gardens. Before that, the Women's World Matchplay final between Beau Greaves and defending champion Lisa Ashton takes place in the afternoon session. The men's final is the climax of a tournament that started July 18.
Timeline
- World Matchplay group stage and knockout rounds
Gerwyn Price progresses through the draw, including a quarter-final win over Ross Smith (17-12, per Racing Post tip but result not confirmed in excerpts).
- Semi-finals: Price beats Van Veen, Littler crushes Van Duijvenbode
Price defeats Gian van Veen 17-10. Littler beats Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5 with an average of nearly 111. (Source: BBC)
- World Matchplay final: Gerwyn Price vs Luke Littler
The final scheduled for 20:05 BST at Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Price and Littler meet in a rematch of their rivalry. (Source: BBC)
Questions people ask
Who is Gerwyn Price?
A Welsh professional darts player and former rugby league player, currently world number three in the PDC. He won the PDC World Championship in 2021 and has multiple major titles.
What is the World Matchplay?
A major darts tournament hosted by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), held annually at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. It uses a long-format, legs-based matchplay system.
What is Luke Littler's record against Gerwyn Price?
Littler has won the last nine matches between the pair. Price's last victory came in their first meeting of 2026. (Source: BBC)
Join the conversation 0
Comments are reviewed before publishing.