Luke Littler shows class with small gesture after latest defeat to Gerwyn Price at Players Championship
Luke Littler Shows Respect to Gerwyn Price After Thrilling Clash at Players Championship
Luke Littler demonstrated his sportsmanship after a hard-fought defeat to Gerwyn Price at the second Players Championship event of the year, applauding his opponent immediately after their tense quarter-final battle.
The teenage sensation had been in strong form throughout the day, securing wins over Pero Ljubic, Bradley Brooks, Rusty Jake Rodriguez, and Wessel Nijman to reach the last eight.
Price, meanwhile, faced a more grueling path, battling past William Borland, Danny Lauby, Jonny Clayton, and Martin Schindler before setting up a high-profile showdown against Littler.
Thrilling Quarter-Final Showdown
The highly anticipated match between Price and Littler lived up to expectations, with both players going toe-to-toe and a deciding leg ultimately determining the winner.
Price, with the advantage of throwing first, started strong with a 140, but a miscalculated dart into treble one on his second visit gave Littler a chance to fight back. The Welshman recovered well with a treble 19 on his third visit, setting himself up for a 144 checkout after nine darts.
Littler responded with precision, leaving himself 138 after nine darts, keeping the match on a knife-edge.
Neither player was able to hit their high checkout, but Price held his nerve to secure a 14-dart leg on double 20, sealing the win.
Littler, despite his disappointment, showed his class by applauding Price and shaking his hand immediately after the match.
Interestingly, the reigning world champion actually had a better checkout percentage and hit more 180s than Price, but the Welshman’s impressive three-dart average of 102.32 proved to be the decisive factor.
Price Goes All the Way
Price carried his momentum forward, defeating Ryan Searle in the semi-finals before overcoming Chris Dobey in a tense final to claim the £15,000 prize.
Reflecting on his performance, Price admitted he is feeling more confident than he has in recent years.
“I think Chris played better than me in that final, but I hung in there until the end,” Price said.
“Today has been brilliant. Yesterday I played really well too; I’m getting back to my best. I’m enjoying the game more.”
The Welshman credited his recent mindset shift as a key factor in his resurgence.
“I had a little bit of help with a sports psychologist before the World Championship, which really helped. There’s a lot more positivity in my game now, and it seems to be working!”
Looking ahead, Price hopes this victory will help him perform more naturally under pressure.
“I know how well I am playing, but when it comes to the big games, sometimes I try too hard because I want it too much.”
“This is what I needed. This win will hopefully make things come a little bit easier, because when you’re winning, you don’t try too hard.”
