Price says Littler can be stopped, warns players make it too easy
9 reported
Gerwyn Price has stated he can prevent Luke Littler from winning back-to-back World Matchplay titles, saying some players make it too easy for the defending champion. Price reached his first World Matchplay semi-final since 2022 by defeating Ross Smith 16-12 at the Winter Gardens, posting a 102.78 average and closing with a four-leg burst. He will face world No. 3 Gian van Veen in the semi-finals, with the winner meeting either Littler or Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday’s final. Littler has beaten Price in every Premier League fixture between them this season and in a World Masters semi-final decider, and remains unbeaten in PDC major matches over 20 legs since his 2024 World Championship final loss. Price told reporters he believes some players let Littler play with his rhythm and make it too easy for him. Van Veen, who beat James Wade 16-13 in his quarter-final, admitted his performance felt poor and that his scoring was terrible, but said a win is a win.
What’s reported
Gerwyn Price beat Ross Smith 16-12 to reach his first World Matchplay semi-final since 2022.
Price averaged 102.78 in the quarter-final and closed with a four-leg burst.
Price will face world No. 3 Gian van Veen in the semi-finals.
The winner of that semi-final will face either Luke Littler or Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday’s final.
Littler has beaten Price in every Premier League fixture this season and in a World Masters semi-final decider.
Littler remains unbeaten in PDC major matches over 20 legs since his 2024 World Championship final loss.
Price said some players make it too easy for Littler and let him play with his rhythm.
Van Veen beat James Wade 16-13 in his quarter-final, posting a 93 average.
Van Veen described his performance as “very poor” and said his scoring was terrible.
Key figures
Gerwyn Price, Welsh darts player
Luke Littler, defending World Matchplay champion and world No. 1
Gian van Veen, world No. 3
Dirk van Duijvenbode, Dutch darts player
Ross Smith, darts player
James Wade, darts player
Sources: Sky Sports
