Gerwyn Price, the former world champion, sparked potential tension with Luke Littler after securing his spot in the 2025 Premier League Darts play-offs at the O2 Arena on May 29, following a 6-5 quarterfinal win over Rob Cross in Leeds on May 8, as reported by the Caerphilly Observer. Price’s actions, specifically his animated celebrations and comments about wanting to “keep on top” of Littler, have risked drawing the ire of the 18-year-old world champion, who leads the Premier League table with a record 45 points after his sixth nightly win in Sheffield on May 22, 2025.
Post-match in Leeds, Price, who moved to third in the standings with three nightly wins (Dublin, Nottingham, Liverpool), told Sky Sports, “I wanted to get another win over Luke just to keep on top. He’s the best in the world, and he’s going to get better.” This followed his 6-3 victory over Littler in the Nottingham final on March 13, marking his sixth straight win over the teenager, as noted by BBC Sport. However, Littler flipped the script in Leeds, defeating Price 6-3 in the semifinals with a 104 average, prompting Littler to taunt Price’s earlier withdrawal from Night 15 in Aberdeen due to a minor injury. Littler told Sky Sports, “Gezzy tonight if he won he would have jumped to third. Is that a mistake? Because I’m certainly ready for next week,” as quoted by @Oche180 on X, suggesting mind games ahead of their O2 semifinal clash.
Price’s exuberant celebrations, including fist pumps and crowd engagement after beating Cross, contrasted with Littler’s more reserved demeanor, with fans on X, like @clifty04, noting Price’s intensity might have been better saved for facing Humphries instead. Despite the potential friction, Price’s form, bolstered by three Players Championship titles in 2025 and psychological work, as per BBC Sport, makes him a formidable opponent. Littler, however, remains the favorite, with eight ton-plus finishes in Sheffield, including 155 and 170 checkouts, signaling he’s primed for the play-offs.
