Gerwyn Price makes brutally honest admission on Luke Littler dominance ahead of World Matchplay clash

Gerwyn Price secured progression to the World Matchplay semi-final after he beat Ross Smith 16-12 on Friday night, but it was his comments after the clash that proved to be intriguing.

The Welsh darts star will now face off with Gian van Veen for a place in the final on Sunday, where they will play the winner of Dirk van Duijvenbode or Luke Littler.

Price is aiming to secure his first-ever World Matchplay title and, in the process, taking the crown off the world No. 1.

A Littler and Price final would make for interesting viewing, as the Welshman is confident in his ability to beat the English darts star on the biggest stage, despite suffering in each of their Premier League clashes this season.

However, Price played down the dominance of Littler in the sport, putting a small part of this down to the mindset of his fellow darts players.

He told reporters after his quarter-final win: “I think there's a lot of players that can get to that level, but is there anyone who can do it as long as him? I think I can.

Luke Littler at the US Darts Masters

“Is there anyone who can do it as long as him? I think I can, and I think there's a couple of players, but he's ruthless at the minute – these 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him.

"I think some players play into his hand and just let him play with his rhythm.

“It's horses for courses, and sometimes you have to play your game; you have to play the game, and you have to play the moments.

"Sometimes, people make it a little bit too easy for him."

While Price may be aiming to win his World Matchplay title, should Littler make it to the final, he will be aiming to make history.

The ‘Nuke’ aims to become the first player to defend the World Matchplay crown since Michael van Gerwen achieved the feat in 2015 and 2016.

Littler said after his win over Josh Rock that he feels as if he could dominate the sport like the legendary 16-time world champion Phil Taylor did.

"My averages of 113 and 109 come with the big finishes, and the scoring power is there as well with the 180s. As long as I can keep it up, I'm sure I will dominate," he told Sky Sports.

"I checked the rankings, I think if I beat Dirk then I will go into that £3m mark [in ranking points]. As long as I'm playing like this and producing numbers, it's going to take something special from another player to beat me. I've just got to keep going."