In a quarterfinal that will be etched in darts lore as one of the most chaotic and compelling encounters of the year, Luke Littler unleashed a barrage of “disgusting” darts to dismantle Gerwyn Price 3-2 in sets (3-1, 2-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-1) on October 10, 2025, at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The 18-year-old world No. 2, who trailed 2-0 in sets, staged a sensational comeback capped by a 154 checkout in the decider, leaving the 40-year-old Welshman stunned and fuming over a farcical ricochet miss that sealed his fate. Littler’s £25,000 win, his deepest run in the £600,000 double-in/double-out event, propels him into a semifinal against Luke Humphries and keeps his £120,000 title dream alive, while Price’s mind games backfired spectacularly.
The Epic Battle: Littler’s Comeback and Price’s Farcical Finish
Price, the 2020 Grand Prix champion and No. 7 seed, entered with a fiery pre-match vow to GB News: “I am here to win and I am not scared of anybody,” aiming to “put Littler under pressure” with his 2-1 head-to-head edge. The Welshman delivered early, leveling the match at 1-1 with a 3-2 second set (140-finish) and taking a 2-1 lead via a 3-1 fourth set, powered by four 180s and a 99.87 average to Littler’s 101.23. The crowd of 3,000, chanting “Bunting mental!” for Littler, added to the tension, but Price’s ice-cold demeanor held firm.
The decider, Set 5, was where darts’ unpredictability struck. Price led 2-1 in legs, needing 40 to force a sixth set. His dart at D20 clipped the wire and ricocheted back into his hand—a “ridiculous” blunder that drew gasps and Littler’s uncontrollable laughter from the oche. “That dart coming back? I lost it—pure comedy,” Littler quipped to Sky Sports. Capitalizing on the miss, he broke with a 100 checkout and sealed the match with a 121 on D18, converting 60% of checkouts (6/10) to Price’s 50% (4/8). Littler’s six 180s and 75% double-in rate (12/16) proved decisive, evening their rivalry at 3-3.
Price’s Fury: “Gutted” and Calling for a Rule Overhaul
Price’s immediate reaction was a salty X meme—”Talk is cheap” with a smirking emoji—that drew 450k views and accusations of bitterness toward the pro-Littler crowd. But his deeper rage targeted the format in an Instagram rant: “Gutted doesn’t cover it. The double-out rule in deciders is ridiculous—one dart off the wire, and it’s game over. No second chance. Darts is about skill, not luck like that. Change it now.” He demanded “neutral venues” for majors to avoid “intimidating” atmospheres, citing Leicester’s chants as a factor. #PriceRant trended with 300k mentions, dividing fans: “Gerwyn’s right—the ricochet was farce” vs. “Sour grapes—Littler outplayed you.”
Price, gracious on camera, later admitted: “Luke’s checkouts were unreal—that 154 killed me.” His call echoes Raymond van Barneveld’s single-out pleas, gaining traction amid darts’ boom (9.2 million Worlds viewers). PDC chairman Barry Hearn dismissed it as “post-loss emotion,” but Price’s two majors and No. 7 Order of Merit status add weight.
Littler’s Class: Laughter and Forward Focus
Littler, who vowed to stay “fiery” pre-tournament, handled the drama with humor: “Gerwyn’s always got opinions—love it. But the rules are the rules,” he told Sky Sports, retweeting the ricochet with laughing emojis. His composure—bursting into laughter at the miss—mirrors his on-oche cool, with a 101.23 average and 10-0 legs held on throw. Post-ZXF split, Littler’s self-management shines: “I’m on my own now—that fire’s staying lit.” The £25,000 lifts his PCOM to 48th (£61,500), eyeing Minehead.
Fan Frenzy: “Littler’s a Cheat Code”
Social media melted down under #Littler154: “154 checkout and laughing at Price’s ricochet? Nuke’s a savage!” (60k likes). Wayne Mardle called it “darts’ funniest finish since MvG’s phone,” while Paul Nicholson noted: “Price’s mind games backfired—Littler’s generational.” Humphries, Littler’s semi foe, quipped: “Luke’s on fire, but I’m coming for him.”
| Player | Average | 180s | Key Checkout | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Littler | 101.23 | 6 | 154 (T20, T18, D20) | Winner (3-2 sets) |
| Gerwyn Price | 99.87 | 4 | 140; D20 ricochet miss | Loser (2-3 sets) |
Price’s “gutted” demand may spark reform, but Littler’s stunning comeback proves the format’s thrill. Humphries awaits—the oche’s ablaze.
