Price reaches World Matchplay final but Littler proves too strong

Darts star Gerwyn Price reached his first televised ranking final in nearly three years over the weekend – but his hopes of silverware were dashed by Luke Littler.

Price, from Markham, was competing in the World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens over the weekend, and saw off Martin Schindler 11-9 in the opening round.

The Iceman then defeated Rob Cross 11-5 in the following round, before a 16-12 victory over Ross Smith in the quarter-finals.

A 17-10 win over Gian van Veen in the semi-finals booked Price’s place in the showpiece on Sunday night – but world number one Littler proved too strong, and won 18-9 to clinch the tournament.

However, Price did average 104.92 in the defeat – the second highest losing average in a World Matchplay final.

Price, who moves up to world number four – and Welsh number one – following his performance in Blackpool, was full of praise for his opponent.

“Luke is one in a million,” claimed Price, who pocketed £125,000 in prize money. “I threw everything at him. I think I played pretty decent that game.

“The bull checkouts he was taking out, like the 167 at the beginning – as early as it was, that was a big turning point.”

He continued: “If anyone is going to boo this kid, there’s something wrong with them. He’s fantastic for the sport. 

“I wish he wasn’t as good as he was or I would have won a couple more tournaments.”

Price added: “I’ll get back on the practice board and try my best, and hopefully I can get a little bit better.

“It’s been a great week for me, the fans have been brilliant, but I’m a little bit gutted as well.”