In the high-stakes arena of professional darts, where every dart can shift momentum and fortunes, Gerwyn Price delivered a masterclass in grace under pressure following a heart-stopping semi-final defeat at the 2026 Winmau World Masters. The Welsh star, known for his fiery intensity and unyielding competitive spirit, fell just short against the unstoppable force that is Luke Littler in a dramatic 5-4 thriller, yet his post-match reaction spoke volumes about respect, admiration, and the mutual respect that defines the sport’s elite level.
The encounter at Arena MK in Milton Keynes unfolded as a true arm wrestle, with both players trading heavy scoring, nerveless finishes, and relentless pressure. Littler, the two-time world champion and current world number one, averaged over 100, hammered in 13 maximums, and sealed the win with a clinical 12-darter in the deciding leg after surviving a match dart from Price. The Welshman had broken through in the final set, positioning himself to serve out the victory on double top—but the crucial dart drifted wide, allowing Littler to steal the leg and then hold throw in a sudden-death decider to advance to the final.
Price, who produced nine 180s of his own and maintained an average just shy of 100 while hitting doubles at 34 percent, could have been forgiven for frustration. Instead, he channeled his disappointment into praise for his young opponent. Posting on his official Instagram account shortly after the match, Price wrote, “Gutted there but what an arm wrestle it was…” He went on to highlight exactly why Littler stands atop the rankings: “The reason why the kids world number 1 and world champ.”
This generous acknowledgment from one of darts’ most accomplished players underscores the extraordinary talent Littler brings to every stage. At just 19, the Englishman—affectionately nicknamed “The Nuke”—has already amassed an astonishing resume, including back-to-back PDC World Championship titles and a string of major triumphs that have redefined expectations in the sport. His ability to thrive under the brightest lights, especially when the chips are down, continues to leave even seasoned pros in awe. Price’s words capture that essence: Littler’s composure, precision, and refusal to fold separate him as the premier force in darts today.
The semi-final itself was a showcase of elite darts. Both men refused to yield an inch, with breaks rare and legs often decided by razor-thin margins. Price pushed Littler to the brink, capitalizing on a rare vulnerability to force the match into its tense conclusion. Yet, when the moment arrived, Littler’s ice-cold finishing proved decisive once more. He later went on to claim the World Masters title itself in an epic final against Luke Humphries, edging a 6-5 deciding-set battle to add yet another prestigious crown to his collection and move within one major—the European Championship—of completing the full set of PDC televised titles.
For Price, the loss marked another chapter in his ongoing battles against the rising generation, but his reaction reflected maturity and perspective. Far from bitterness, he celebrated the quality of the contest and openly credited Littler’s dominance as the defining factor. In a sport where rivalries can sometimes spill over into tension, this display of sportsmanship highlighted the camaraderie that exists among the top players, even in defeat.
As the darts calendar rolls on, with the Premier League kicking off soon in Newcastle, Littler’s hunger remains undimmed—he’s already eyeing a return to the top of that competition after a previous triumph. Meanwhile, Price’s gracious words serve as a reminder that greatness is recognized across generations. The “Iceman” may have been left gutted, but his tribute to the kid who’s rewriting the record books added warmth to an otherwise intense night of arrows. In the unforgiving world of professional darts, moments like these remind fans why the sport captivates: skill, drama, and genuine respect intertwined on the oche. Littler’s ascent continues, but credit to Price for shining a light on precisely what makes the young champion so special.
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