Gerwyn Price couldn't help but laugh when being subjected to Luke Littler's brilliance in the World Matchplay final. The Welshman was comprehensively beaten 18-9 in Sunday's showdown, as the world No. 1 successfully defended his Matchplay title. Littler, 19, became just the fourth person to win back-to-back titles at the event.
Dominant Display
The teenager was as dominant as ever, posting a remarkable average of 111.53, while hitting 12 180s and landing six ton-plus finishes. In the midst of his scintillating play, Littler landed a pinpoint bullseye to clinch a stunning checkout, leaving an exacerbated Price watching on behind him chuckling at the brilliance he's witnessing.
It's a familiar reaction that Littler's opponents have shown during the tournament, with Dirk van Duijvenbode doing the same in his semi-final clash, which he lost 17-5. Price's sound defeat - the second he's suffered in a World Matchplay final - did nothing to stop him waxing lyrical about Littler's unique talent.
Price's Praise
The former world champion said: "Luke is a one in a million. I threw everything at him. I think I played pretty decent out there today, I missed a few opportunities. But the bull checkouts he was taking out, the 167 at the beginning. As early as it was in the game that was a big turning point between 4-1 and 3-2. He grew in confidence. I hung in there, I didn't play brilliantly, I played some decent darts today. But if anyone is going to boo this kid there's something wrong with them because he is fantastic for this sport. I wish he wasn't as good as he was because I would have won a couple more tournaments. But I'll get back on the practice board, I'll try my best and hopefully I can get on a little bit better."
Littler's Reaction
Following his victory, Littler admitted he's currently performing at his peak ability. He said: "It has been a crazy week - it has been one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I have played- it has not been easy. It has been tough. The stats may look like it is easy but when you are on this stage, it is hot, it is not easy. I have played some of the best darts of my life."
Littler now has 14 PDC major singles titles to his name, with only Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor ahead of him in the all-time rankings.
