Gerwyn Price issues warning shot to Luke Littler with world number one made to look elite

Gerwyn Price believes he can deny Luke Littler back-to-back World Matchplay titles – while claiming opponents make life too easy for him.

Price secured a spot in Saturday’s semi-finals after beating Ross Smith 16-12 on Friday night.

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The Welshman was in inspired form, registering a 102.78 average and signed off by winning the last four legs.

The ‘Ice Man’ will face Gian van Veen in the last four with either Littler or Dutch thrower Dirk van Duijvenbode waiting in Sunday’s final.

Price has found the going tough in his recent tussles with Littler.

The world No 1 triumphed over Price in each of their Premier League clashes this season and slipped to another defeat in the World Masters semi-finals.

Littler has been in ominous form at the Winter Gardens and remains the favourite to land another World Matchplay title.

The ‘Nuke’ is aiming to become the first player to defend the World Matchplay crown since Michael van Gerwen achieved the feat in 2015 and 2016.

But Price remains confident in his ability and believes he can be the man to stop Littler in his tracks.

Not invincible

“I think there’s a lot of players that can get to that [Littler’s] level,” Price said after his quarter-final win.

“Is there anyone who can do it as long as him? I think I can and I think there’s a couple of players, but he’s ruthless at the minute – these 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him.

“I think some players play into his hand and just let him play with his rhythm.

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“It’s horses for horses and sometimes you have to play your game, you have to play the game and you have to play the moments.

“Sometimes, people make it a little bit too easy for him.”

Price did not have it all his own way in his quarter-final victory over Smith with the match perfectly poised at 12-12 heading into the final four legs.

At one stage, Price had stretched his lead to 12-8 only to see Smith drag himself back into the contest.

“I was delighted with the way I played the majority of the game, but there’s a couple of legs that I let slip and could have come back to haunt me in the end,” Price added.

“I’m thinking I should be 13-7 or 14-6 or whatever it is, because I did waste opportunities and probably shouldn’t think like that. I’m just happy to get a win, but frustrated a little bit.”

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Meanwhile, World Championship runner-up Van Veen admitted he needs to improve his level following his 16-13 win over James Wade.

“It felt very poor!” Van Veen told Sky Sports. “My scoring was so terrible.

“I was so lucky James wasn’t scoring as well and my finishing got me through. A win is a win.

“The 118 finish – I really needed it. It was a tight battle but I’m glad I got the job done. Hopefully tomorrow I will be a lot better.”