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Luke Littler made a remarkable defense of the World Matchplay Darts title with an impressive 18-9 victory over Garwin Price in Blackpool.
Littler shot a 111.53 average and nailed 12 in a dominant display against the 2022 runners-up, becoming only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back World Matchplay titles by posting six ton-plus finishes in a high-scoring final.
The margin of victory appeared to widen when Littler raced to an 11-3 lead, with Price – who averaged 104.97 in his performances at the tournament – putting up a fight but fell to his second runner-up finish in four years.
Gerwyn Price was looking for a first TV major title from 2023
In his perfect week at the Winter Garden the 19-year-old averaged 109 or better in all five matches and broke the tournament scoring record, previously set by Phil Taylor in 2010, as Littler continued his run to win every PDC TV Major in 2026.
Littler broke the tournament record for most 180s and extended his lead at the top of the PDC rankings by reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and £225,000 first prize, breaking the £3m barrier on his way to the final, with the latest win boosting his hopes of sweeping the big calendar each year.
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Luke Littler smashed six brilliant 100+ checkouts as he reclaimed the World Matchplay title in Blackpool, defeating Garwin Price 18-9
How to close out the Littler historical title
Price said before the final that he felt he could beat Littler with his A-game, although the ‘Ice Man’ couldn’t come close to his opponent during a historic final.
Littler went through the first three leg throws before following up with a sensational 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of this year’s tournament – with a 110 to hold the throw in the next, leading 4-1 despite Price averaging above 109 in the mini session.
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Moments after Garwin Price missed a shot for a 145 checkout, Luke Littler finished with 167 in their World Matchplay final.
Littler added back-to-back 11-darters and later responded to Price’s holding throw with tops-tops for a third ton-plus finish in the first nine legs, then went further in a remarkable scoring burst.
The world No 1 posted finishes of 128 and 127 and took just 47 darts to breeze through a dominant four-leg streak, taking him 11-3 up, although Price dug in to win consecutive legs to attempt a comeback.
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Luke Littler continues to smash 100+ checkouts during the World Matchplay Finals, finishing back-to-back with 128 and 127 finishes.
Price was within six feet of Littler before the 19-year-old made another devastating late surge, firing a stunning 148 checkout before making a breaking throw on the lower leg. Littler then finished 81 on the bullseye to secure a historic victory in style.
The victory was Littler’s 10th in a row over Price and 28th in a row in 20 legs at a PDC major, extending a run to the 2024 World Championship final, with the world number one’s record-breaking display sending an ominous warning to his rivals heading into the rest of the season.
Price ‘one in a million’ praises Littler
small, Speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s been a crazy week – it’s been one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I’ve played – it hasn’t been easy. The stats might make it look easy but when you’re on this stage, it’s hot, it’s not easy.
“I’ve played some of the best darts of my life. I think this is the best version of myself – I’m playing so well!
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Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardell highlights the fact that Luke Littler has so far failed to produce a bullseye finish at the 2026 World Matchplay tournament, but then steps up to The New…
price, Speaking to Sky Sports: “Luke (Littler) is one in a million. I think I played pretty decent. I missed a few chances in that game but Bull’s checkout, 167, was a big turning point even though it was early in the game.
“If anybody wants to bash this kid, there’s something wrong with them. He’s great for this game. I wish he wasn’t as good as he is, because I would have won a few more tournaments.
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Garwyn Price paid a touching tribute to fellow darts pro Luke Littler as he called out the ups and downs against the teenager, talking about how good he is and how he performed against Littler.
“I probably could have pinched a few more legs but his finish was effortless. I hope no one else comes like him, because he’s ridiculous! It’s been a great week for me but I’m a bit disappointed!”
What next?
The next PDC ranked TV major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix from 28 September-4 October at Mattioli Arena, Leicester. Live on Sky Sports. Littler returns as the defending champion after winning the double in, double out event against Luke Humphries last year.
The Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (November 14-22) and the World Darts Championship (December 10-January 3) are both live on Sky Sports, with Littler looking to retain his titles at both events. Stream darts and more best games with no contract.
