‘This is why’ – Gerwyn Price calls for change after missing three match darts against Luke Littler

Gerwyn Price’s 2025 World Grand Prix campaign ended in heartbreak and fury on October 10, as the Welsh world No. 7 squandered three match darts in a pulsating 3-2 sets defeat to Luke Littler, only to see his final attempt ricochet off the board and back into his hand in a “ridiculous” twist of fate. The 40-year-old, who had led 2-0 in sets and was moments from the semifinals, immediately called for a drastic overhaul to the double-in/double-out format, labeling it “ridiculous” and insisting “darts is about skill, not luck like that.” Price’s post-match Instagram rant, viewed over 500k times, has reignited a long-simmering debate, with fans divided on whether his “gutted” plea is a legitimate grievance or sour grapes after Littler’s stunning 121 checkout sealed the £25,000 win at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena.

The ‘Ridiculous’ Moment: Three Match Darts and a Ricochet Miss

The quarterfinal, a rematch of their 2024 Grand Slam of Darts final (Littler won 16-7), was a five-set masterpiece (3-1, 2-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-1) that showcased the double-in/double-out format’s unforgiving drama. Price, who had vowed to GB News to “put Littler under pressure” and claimed he was “not scared of anybody,” stormed to a 2-0 sets lead, taking the second 3-2 with a 140-finish and the fourth 3-1 with four 180s to Littler’s six. The 18-year-old world No. 2, averaging 101.23 with a 75% double-in rate (12/16), fought back with a 3-1 opener and 3-2 third, including a 154 checkout (T20, T18, D20) in Set 5.

The decider, Set 5, saw Price lead 2-1 in legs and needing 40 to force a sixth set. He missed three match darts at D10 and D20, allowing Littler to break with a 100 checkout. On his final throw, Price’s dart at D20 clipped the wire and ricocheted straight back into his hand—a “farcical” blunder that drew gasps from the 3,000-strong crowd and uncontrollable laughter from Littler at the oche. “That dart coming back? I lost it—pure comedy,” Littler quipped to Sky Sports. Littler sealed the match with a 121 on D18, converting 60% of checkouts (6/10) to Price’s 50% (4/8).

Price’s Furious Call: “Change the Double-Out Rule Now”

Price’s immediate Instagram post—a meme captioned “Talk is cheap” with a smirking emoji—drew 450k views and backlash for saltiness, but his deeper rage targeted the format. “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 wrote, demanding a “single-out” rule for final legs to “keep the drama.” He also blasted the “intimidating” pro-Littler crowd: “This is why we need majors in neutral venues—Leicester’s chants killed me.”

The statement, trending under #PriceRuleChange with 300k mentions, echoes Raymond van Barneveld’s past pleas for reform. Price, the 2020 champion (5-1 over Chisnall), argued the ricochet “ruined” a classic, not skill. Fans are split: “Gerwyn’s right—the wire miss was farce; single-out for finals!” vs. “Take the L—Littler’s just better.” PDC chairman Barry Hearn called it “post-loss emotion,” but Price’s influence—two majors, No. 7 Order of Merit—adds weight.

Littler’s Response: Laughter and Class

Littler, who had vowed to stay “fiery” pre-tournament, handled Price’s fury with humor: “Gerwyn’s got opinions—love it. But the rules are the rules,” he told Sky Sports, retweeting the ricochet clip with laughing emojis. His composure—bursting into laughter at the miss—mirrors his on-oche cool, with a 101.23 average, six 180s, 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.

The Debate: Luck or Legacy?

Price’s “gutted” crusade reignites darts’ double-out wars. The rule, standard since 1998, ensures precision but risks “anti-climaxes” like his miss. Proponents like Phil Taylor call it the “great equalizer,” while Price pushes for “single-out” in deciders to “preserve tension.” With Littler’s rise (9.2 million Worlds viewers), the PDC may listen. Price, now 2-3 vs. Littler, exits with £15,000 but determination: “I’ll be back to change this.”

Price’s demand may spark change, but Littler’s stunning comeback proves the format’s thrill. Humphries awaits in semis—the oche’s ablaze.