World Matchplay Darts: Luke Littler thrashes Gerwyn Price 18-9 to defend title with record-breaking display in Blackpool | Darts News
Luke Littler capped off a remarkable title defence at the World Matchplay Darts with an impressive 18-9 victory over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool.
Littler fired an 111.53 average and nailed 12 maximums in a dominant display against the 2022 runner-up, posting six ton-plus finishes in a high-scoring final to become just the fourth player in history to win back-to-back World Matchplay titles.
The winning margin looked set to be larger when Littler raced into an 11-3 lead, with Price – who averaged 104.97 in his performance of the tournament – delivering a battling display but falling to his second runner-up finish in four years.
Gerwyn Price was searching for a first TV major title since 2023
The 19-year-old averaged 109 or better in all five matches during his perfect week at the Winter Gardens and smashed the tournament scoring record, previously set by Phil Taylor in 2010, leaving Littler continuing his run of winning every PDC TV major in 2026.
Littler broke his own tournament record for most 180s and extended his lead at the top of the PDC rankings by reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and £200,000 first prize, having broken the £3m barrier during his run to the final, with the latest win enhancing his hopes of sweeping every ranked major in a calendar year.
Luke Littler becomes just the fourth player in history to win multiple World Matchplay Darts titles
How Littler closed out historic title
Price said ahead of the final that he felt like he could beat Littler with his A-game, although the ‘Ice Man’ couldn’t come close to his opponent during a historic final.
The first three legs went with throw before Littler followed a sensational 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of this year’s tournament – by taking out 110 to hold throw in the next, opening a 4-1 lead despite Price averaging over 109 in the mini session.
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Moments after Gerwyn Price missed a shot for a 145 checkout, Luke Littler pulled off a 167 finish during their World Matchplay final clash
Littler added back-to-back 11 darters and responded to Price holding throw in the next by taking out tops-tops for a third ton-plus finish in the first nine legs, then pulled further ahead in an extraordinary scoring burst.
The world No 1 posted 128 and 127 finishes and took just 47 darts to breeze through a dominant four-leg streak, lifting him 11-3 ahead, although Price dug in by winning successive legs to try and spark a comeback.
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Luke Littler continues to smash in 100+ checkouts during the World Matchplay final, nailing 128 & 127 finishes in back-to-back legs
Price stayed within six legs of Littler before the 19-year-old produced another devastating late surge, firing in a stunning 148 checkout before breaking throw in the following leg. Littler then sealed a historic victory in style, pinning an 81 finish on the bullseye.
Victory is Littler’s 10th consecutive win over Price and 28th consecutive win at PDC major matches over 20 legs, a run stretching back to the 2024 World Championship final, with the world No 1’s record-breaking display sending an ominous warning to his rivals heading into the rest of the season.
More to follow…
What’s next?
The next PDC ranked TV major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix from September 28-October 4 at the Mattioli Arena, Leicester, live on Sky Sports. Littler returns as defending champion after last year’s victory over Luke Humphries in the double in, double out event.
The Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (November 14-22) and the World Darts Championship (December 10-January 3) are also both live on Sky Sports, with Littler looking to retain his titles in both events. Stream darts and more top sport with no contract.
