Luke Littler hits back at Gerwyn Price’s claim that rival darts stars make life too easy for him

Luke Littler insists rivals are already raising their game against him and dismissed suggestions that opponents make life too easy as he closed in on a second straight World Matchplay title.

The 19-year-old sensation powered past Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5 at the Winter Gardens, producing a sensational 110.88 average and firing in 16 maximums to book a blockbuster final against Gerwyn Price.

Littler was responding to Price’s claim that some players allow the world No. 1 to settle into his rhythm too easily during matches.

The reigning champion disagreed.

“I wouldn’t feel that way,” Littler said. “I know every player is going to play at least ten times better against me than they did in the previous round because they have to.

“If I’m producing these numbers consistently then someone is going to have to do something really special to beat me.”

Littler has been in sensational form throughout the tournament, with his latest display maintaining an eye-catching average of 110.88.

The 13-time major champion is now within touching distance of breaking Phil Taylor’s long-standing record for the highest tournament average of 106.31 if he can sustain his remarkable standard in the final.

Confident in his abilities, Littler believes he is only beginning to show what he can achieve in the sport.

“I know I’m capable of doing many great things in this sport,” he said.

“Since the first round the averages have been there. They’ve gone up, back down and now back up around the 110 mark.

“As long as I play like this tomorrow then hopefully I can lift the trophy again.”

The teenage star revealed he has always paid close attention to the statistics of the sport and remembers being inspired by some of the greatest performances in darts history.

“I’ve always watched the averages and what players were doing. I remember Michael’s huge average against Michael Smith in the Premier League.

“Back then I never thought I’d become a professional and do those sorts of things, but I’m close enough to it now. As long as I keep improving and producing performances like this then I’ll be happy.”

Littler is aiming to become the first player in a decade to successfully defend the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.

Despite becoming the first player in PDC history to surpass £3 million in ranking prize money, the Warrington star insists silverware—not financial rewards—remains his biggest motivation.

“I just want to win trophies. The prize money comes with the trophies,” Littler said.

“It’s always been trophies first, never money first. As long as I keep winning trophies, the money will come with it.”