Gerwyn Price warns rivals are making it ‘too easy’ for ‘ruthless’ Luke Littler at World Matchplay in Blackpool

Gerwyn Price believes Luke Littler’s dominance is being helped by opponents who make life too easy for the teenage sensation, describing the reigning World Champion as “ruthless.”

The Welshman booked his place in only his second World Matchplay semi-final after defeating Ross Smith 16-12 at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Friday night.

Price, 41, believes he has the game to challenge the world No. 1 if both players progress to Sunday’s final, insisting only a handful of stars can consistently match Littler’s extraordinary standards.

Speaking about Littler’s remarkable form, Price said: “I think there are a lot of players who can reach that level, but not many can sustain it for as long as Luke does.

“I think I can, and there are a couple of others as well, but at the moment he’s ruthless. Those 109 and 110 averages just look so easy for him.

“I also think some players play into his hands by letting him settle into his rhythm. Sometimes you’ve got to play your own game and take the key moments. I think people can make it a little bit too easy for him.”

The former world champion, currently ranked No. 7, admitted his own performances have improved throughout the tournament but feels a lack of competitive action earlier in the season has held him back.

Price revealed he has featured in only a handful of European Tour events this year.

“I think there have been ten European Tour events and I’ve only played in three or four,” he explained. “I won one, reached another final and lost to Cameron Menzies, who played fantastic against me.

“I just haven’t played enough this year and I think that’s caught up with me a little bit. You saw that in the first round here.

“If I’d played a couple more ProTours before the tournament I’d have been much sharper.”

Looking ahead to next season, Price plans to increase his schedule despite the demands of competing in the Premier League and World Series events.

“Next year I’ll play a lot more, but when you’re playing the Premier League and the World Series, you simply can’t play everything,” he said.

The Welsh star also believes his strong run in Blackpool has given him a timely confidence boost for the remainder of the campaign.

“This tournament has been great for my confidence. Like I said, I haven’t played that much this year, but this has put me in the right frame of mind for the rest of the season.”