Littler and Price set for World Matchplay final showdown
Littler’s 17-5 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode places him on course to break Phil Taylor’s historical averages, while Price overcomes Gian van Veen to secure the second spot.
Defending champion Luke Littler has advanced to the World Matchplay final in Blackpool following a decisive 17-5 victory over unseeded Dirk van Duijvenbode. The world number one established an early 8-2 lead and maintained an average of 117.10 during the semi-final, positioning himself to break Phil Taylor’s tournament match average record of 114.99. Although Littler’s average dipped slightly below 111 in the closing stages, his tournament average now stands at 110.88, surpassing Taylor’s previous tournament average record of 106.31.
Littler’s performance has also seen him accumulate more than £3m in the PDC order of merit, placing him more than £2m clear of world number two Luke Humphries. The teenager’s winning streak in matches of 20 or more legs has now extended to 28 successive victories, a run that dates back to his last defeat in such a format during the 2024 World Championship final. Littler aims to become only the third player, alongside Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, to win back-to-back World Matchplay titles.
Gerwyn Price secured his place in the final by defeating Gian van Veen 17-10. The Welshman, who broke in the opening leg and built a 4-1 advantage, powered through to seal a comfortable win despite a difficult night for Van Veen, who was broken nine times in 14 legs throwing first. Price’s victory moves him to fourth in the order of merit, above Jonny Clayton, and establishes him as the Welsh number one.
The upcoming final presents a significant challenge for Price, who has never defeated Littler in a match containing more than 15 legs. Littler has won the past nine encounters between the pair, with Price’s last success occurring in their opening meeting of 2026. Despite a known on-stage rivalry characterised by Price’s antics and Littler’s reactions, the teenager has stated that he is not easily distracted and intends to control the match by establishing an early lead.
The best-of-35 legs final is scheduled for Sunday at 20:05 BST. The day’s proceedings will begin at 13:00 with the Women’s World Matchplay, where top seeds Beau Greaves and defending champion Lisa Ashton will compete. Littler has averaged more than 109 in all four matches of this year’s tournament, underscoring the high standard of play expected in the decider.
