Price issues title warning to Littler - 'people make it too easy for him'

Gerwyn Price insists he can thwart Luke Littler's bid for back-to-back World Matchplay titles and believes some players ‘make it too easy’ for the defending champion.

Price booked his first World Matchplay semi-final since 2022 with a 16-12 win over Ross Smith at the Winter Gardens, where the 'Ice Man' fired a 102.78 average and closed out victory with a four-leg burst.

The Welshman faces world No 3 Gian van Veen in the last four, with the winner of that semi-final progressing to face either Littler or Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday's best-of-35 leg final.

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Littler defeated Price in every Premier League fixture between them this season and a final-set decider in the World Masters semi-finals, while 'The Nuke' remains unbeaten in PDC major matches over 20 legs since his 2024 World Championship final loss.

The world No 1 remains overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to defend his World Matchplay crown, having posted a 109.57 average in his win over Josh Rock, although Price insists he can be stopped.

"I think there's a lot of players that can get to that [Littler's] level," Price told reporters after his quarter-final win.

"Is there anyone who can do it as long as him? I think I can and I think there's a couple of players, but he's ruthless at the minute - these 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him.

"I think some players play into his hand and just let him play with his rhythm. It's horses for horses and sometimes you have to play your game, you have to play the game and you have to play the moments.

"Sometimes, people make it a little bit too easy for him."

More to come in Van Veen showdown?

Price built a commanding 12-8 lead over Smith in a quarter-final where he threatened to pull further ahead, then found himself level at 12-12 until finishing strongly to reach the last four.

"I was delighted with the way I played the majority of the game, but there's a couple of legs that I let slip and could have come back to haunt me in the end," Price added.

"I'm thinking I should be 13-7 or 14-6 or whatever it is, because I did waste opportunities and probably shouldn't think like that. I'm just happy to get a win, but frustrated a little bit."

Van Veen admitted he needs to improve after his quarter-final victory over 16-13 James Wade, where he posted a 93 average and also blew a four-leg advantage before closing out victory.

"It felt very poor!" Van Veen admitted to Sky Sports. "My scoring was so terrible. I was so lucky James wasn't scoring as well and my finishing got me through. A win is a win.

"The 118 finish - I really needed it. It was a tight battle but I'm glad I got the job done. Hopefully tomorrow I will be a lot better."

What's next?

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with the two semi-finals being played over the best-of-33 to decide who progresses through to Sunday's best-of-35 final.

Defending champion Littler continues his bid for back-to-back titles when he faces Van Duijvenbode, through to the last four at this event for the first time, with Price playing Van Veen in the opening semi-final.

Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Watch throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Saturday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and around 9pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.