Final heads to the Winter Gardens as Littler seeks consecutive titles
The Betfred World Matchplay final will be contested at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday evening, with Luke Littler defending the crown he won last year and Gerwyn Price bidding to upset the favourite. The match is scheduled to be shown live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports.
Littler strengthened his claim to repeat success with a dominant 17-5 semi-final win over Dirk van Duijvenbode. In that display he posted a 110.88 average and hit 16 maximums, part of a run in which he has averaged above 109 in all four of his matches at this year’s tournament. If he succeeds on Sunday he would become the first player to win back-to-back World Matchplay titles since Michael van Gerwen.
Price refuses to be overawed
Gerwyn Price, meanwhile, reached the final for the first time at the World Matchplay since 2022 and for the first major TV final since 2023. He has been clear about his mindset heading into the clash in Blackpool.
"When I go into any game I'm the favourite, that's the way I believe and that's the way I prepare... If my A-game's there, I'm OK, I'll win."
Price acknowledged Littler's form but warned that he should not be underestimated. He said opponents sometimes allow Littler to settle into a rhythm and that he believes his own A-game can turn the tie in his favour.
What the semi-final numbers show
| Player | Opponent | Semi-final score | Average | Maximums |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Littler | Dirk van Duijvenbode | 17-5 | 110.88 | 16 |
| Gerwyn Price | — | Through to final | — | — |
The numbers underline Littler’s scoring power in Blackpool, but the final presents a different, single-match challenge. Price’s experience in big televised matches and his declared confidence add an unpredictable element to a fixture that many expect to be one-sided.
Local significance
The World Matchplay remains one of Blackpool’s signature sporting weeks, centred on the Winter Gardens. Residents can expect national television coverage of the town as part of the event, with the match serving as the culmination of a tournament that has seen some of the sport’s top names perform on the local stage.
- Venue: Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
- Final: Sunday evening, live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports.
- Context: Littler pursuing consecutive titles; Price seeking his first World Matchplay final win since 2022.
The result on Sunday will decide whether Blackpool witnesses a rare defence of the Matchplay crown or a high-profile upset at one of the town’s most recognisable venues.
