Gerwyn Worth insists he can thwart Luke Littler’s bid for back-to-back World Matchplay titles and believes some gamers ‘make it too straightforward’ for the defending champion.
Worth booked his first World Matchplay semi-final since 2022 with a 16-12 win over Ross Smith on the Winter Gardens, the place the ‘Ice Man’ fired a 102.78 common and closed out victory with a four-leg burst.
The Welshman faces world No 3 Gian van Veen within the final 4, with the winner of that semi-final progressing to face both Littler or Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday’s best-of-35 leg last.
Gerwyn Worth produced a collection of beautiful checkouts to beat a testing Ross Smith and e-book his place within the final 4
Littler defeated Worth in each Premier League fixture between them this season and a final-set decider within the World Masters semi-finals, whereas ‘The Nuke’ stays unbeaten in PDC main matches over 20 legs since his 2024 World Championship last loss.
The world No 1 stays overwhelming favorite to grow to be the primary participant since Michael van Gerwen to defend his World Matchplay crown, having posted a 109.57 common in his win over Josh Rock, though Worth insists he may be stopped.
Luke Littler admits he is taking part in among the finest darts of his profession after a dominant World Matchplay quarter-final win over Josh Rock
“I feel there’s loads of gamers that may get to that [Littler’s] degree,” Worth informed reporters after his quarter-final win.
“Is there anybody who can do it so long as him? I feel I can and I feel there’s a few gamers, however he is ruthless on the minute – these 109, 110 averages simply look really easy for him.
“I feel some gamers play into his hand and simply let him play along with his rhythm. It is horses for horses and typically it’s a must to play your recreation, it’s a must to play the sport and it’s a must to play the moments.
Highlights of the quarter-final between Luke Littler and Josh Rock on the World Matchplay
“Generally, folks make it slightly bit too straightforward for him.”
Extra to return in Van Veen showdown?
Worth constructed a commanding 12-8 lead over Smith in a quarter-final the place he threatened to tug additional forward, then discovered himself degree at 12-12 till ending strongly to achieve the final 4.
Gerwyn Worth, World Matchplay Darts 2026
“I used to be delighted with the way in which I performed nearly all of the sport, however there’s a few legs that I let slip and will have come again to hang-out me ultimately,” Worth added.
“I am considering I ought to be 13-7 or 14-6 or no matter it’s, as a result of I did waste alternatives and doubtless should not assume like that. I am simply joyful to get a win, however pissed off slightly bit.”
Van Veen admitted he wants to enhance after his quarter-final victory over 16-13 James Wade, the place he posted a 93 common and likewise blew a four-leg benefit earlier than closing out victory.
Gian van Veen fires in a powerful 160 checkout to tug away from James Wade to take a 9-6 lead throughout their quarter-final
“It felt very poor!” Van Veen admitted to Sky Sports activities. “My scoring was so horrible. I used to be so fortunate James wasn’t scoring as properly and my ending acquired me by means of. A win is a win.
“The 118 end – I actually wanted it. It was a decent battle however I am glad I acquired the job accomplished. Hopefully tomorrow I might be lots higher.”
Gian van Veen edges previous James Wade sealing the tie 16-13 and units up a tantalising World Matchplay semi-final towards Gerwyn Worth
What’s subsequent?
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues on the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with the 2 semi-finals being performed over the best-of-33 to determine who progresses by means of to Sunday’s best-of-35 last.
Defending champion Littler continues his bid for back-to-back titles when he faces Van Duijvenbode, by means of to the final 4 at this occasion for the primary time, with Worth taking part in Van Veen within the opening semi-final.
Who will win this 12 months’s World Matchplay Darts? Watch all through the weekend reside on Sky Sports activities. Reside protection continues Saturday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports activities Motion and round 9pm on Sky Sports activities Predominant Occasion. Stream darts and extra high sport with NOW.
