Sport

Littler holds commanding lead over Price in 2026 World Matchplay final

Luke Littler leads Gerwyn Price 14-6 in the best-of-35 legs decider, with the former runner-up struggling to maintain his scoring average in the fourth session.

Author
Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
Published
Draft
Source: Yahoo Sports · original
2026 World Matchplay of Darts final results, score and updates: Littler nearing consecutive Matchplay titles
Darts championship hinges on final session as 2025 champion seeks back-to-back title

Luke Littler has established a dominant position in the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts final, leading Gerwyn Price 14-6 as the contest approaches its conclusion. The 2025 champion is now four legs away from retaining the title, having maintained a significant advantage throughout the best-of-35 legs match.

The final, which is scheduled to conclude on Sunday with the decider anticipated on Day 8 in Blackpool, has seen Littler sustain a high level of performance. Price, a former Matchplay runner-up, managed to win two legs during the fourth session, but the effort was insufficient to close the gap or disrupt Littler’s momentum.

Price’s scoring metrics have shown signs of decline as the match has progressed. His average dropped to 103.46 following the fourth session, highlighting the difficulty he has faced in matching Littler’s consistency. The format of the final requires a win by two legs, or sudden death in the 41st leg if the score remains tied after 35 legs.

Littler’s path to a second consecutive title has been marked by what sources describe as an unreal performance. His dominance on the oche has been a defining feature of the tournament, setting the stage for a decisive finish that will determine the 2026 champion.

The outcome of this final carries significant weight for both players. While Littler seeks to solidify his status as the sport’s leading figure, Price faces the challenge of overcoming a substantial deficit to secure his first Matchplay title. The match remains live, with the final outcome yet to be determined.

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