Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price surge into World Matchplay final
Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price will collide in the 2026 World Matchplay final after dismantling Dirk van Duijvenbode and Gian van Veen respectively on Saturday.
Littler produced his fourth consecutive average in excess of 109 (110.88) to blitz Van Duijvenbode 17-5 and continue his incredible title defence at the Winter Gardens.
The reigning champion raced out the traps to lead 8-2 with an astounding 117 average after ten legs, even if the Dutchman took out the biggest checkout of the match with a 146 finish to reduce the deficit to 8-3.
The world number one continued the procession by taking out 130 to lead 12-3, before missing five match darts to win 17-4, as Van Duijvenbode capitalised to delay the inevitable.
Nevertheless, Littler closed out the contest with a 13-darter to seal his spot in a second consecutive World Matchplay final, becoming the first player in PDC history to break the £3 million barrier on the Order of Merit.
“I was probably more focused about the highest average which I shouldn’t have been, but we got the job done and now it’s back-to-back finals,” said the 19-year-old – who recorded the seventh-highest average in World Matchplay history.
“I saw my average on the screen at one point and it was 117! It was another good performance.
“I want to stay dominant. I want to keep winning and winning.”
Littler recorded just nine trebleless visits in 22 legs in a darting masterclass, smashing in 16 maximums and hitting 50 per cent of his doubles attempts.
The defending champion holds a tournament average of 110.88, threatening to blow away Phil Taylor’s record of 106.31 set in 2010, and he has his eyes set on more history when he faces Price in Sunday’s showpiece.
“I want to try and beat Phil’s record, so I’ve got to keep going,” insisted Littler.
“Me and Gezzy always have great games. We’ve had great games in the Premier League this year, and last year at the World Grand Prix.
“I think Gezzy will want to get me into a roaring battle tomorrow, but as long as I can get into the lead, I’ll be happy.”
Price dispatched Gian van Veen 17-10 to reach his first televised ranking final since 2023 and his second World Matchplay final.
The 2022 runner-up raced into a 6-1 lead which included a clinical 125 checkout, before the Dutch number one retaliated to take four legs straight of his own.
Nevertheless, the Welshman recovered with aplomb, bursting into an 11-7 lead, before winning six of the last seven legs to go one game away from claiming a maiden Phil Taylor Trophy.
“I’m more happy to be Welsh number one!” said Price, who shot up to world number four with his semi-final victory and overtook Jonny Clayton in the process.
“Jonny’s been Welsh number one for a year and a half, or two years. But I’m back!
“For the first six months of the season, I’ve been playing really well. I probably haven’t played as much as I should have.
“To reach a final, I’m happy. I was more nervous today, I wanted to reach a final and get back into the top four of the world and become Welsh number one.”
World Matchplay 2026 Semi-Final Results
Saturday July 25
Gerwyn Price 17-10 Gian van Veen
Luke Littler 17-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
