“My own fault but the game is coming" – Gerwyn Price upbeat despite dramatic deciding leg defeat to Luke Littler in World Series semi-final

Gerwyn Price admitted he only had himself to blame after agonisingly missing out on a place in the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals showpiece on Sunday night, succumbing 11–10 to Luke Littler in a dramatic semi-final in Amsterdam.

The 2021 world champion looked on course for his first TV final of the year when he opened up a 9–6 lead, only to falter on the outer ring and allow Littler back into the contest. The 18-year-old, who has developed a reputation for thriving in clutch moments, duly punished Price’s profligacy and sealed victory in the deciding leg with back-to-back maximums and a nerveless double five finish.

Price took to Instagram in the aftermath to reflect on the fine margins that cost him the match. “My own fault but the game is coming, onto the European next weekend,” wrote the Welshman. “Great support over social media the last few days, much appreciated.”

The story of the semi-final was Price’s failure to convert key opportunities. Having produced a superb 100 checkout to lead 3–2 at the first interval, the Iceman looked in full flow as he surged 9–5 ahead, punishing Littler’s own missed doubles along the way.

But with the finish line in sight, the decisive doubles deserted him. Two darts at tops for a 10–7 cushion went astray, before another chance at the same target to move 10–8 up was spurned. Littler, clinical on his trusted double ten, rattled off five straight legs to seize the initiative at 10–9.

The 2021 world champion looked on course for his first TV final of the year when he opened up a 9–6 lead, only to falter on the outer ring and allow Littler back into the contest. The 18-year-old, who has developed a reputation for thriving in clutch moments, duly punished Price’s profligacy and sealed victory in the deciding leg with back-to-back maximums and a nerveless double five finish.

The statistics underline just how tight the contest was. Price averaged 99.53 to Littler’s 100.08, hitting nine maximums to Littler’s ten. Both men landed a solitary ton-plus checkout, while the checkout percentages told the tale of the match: Littler 37.9%, Price 34.5%.

Where the Welshman had earlier thrived on timing and aggression — roaring in trademark style after key checkouts — it was the teenager who found the big moments late on.

For Price, the defeat will sting given the control he held for large parts of the match. But his reaction suggests a player beginning to rediscover rhythm after a patchy summer. “The game is coming,” he wrote, signalling optimism ahead of next weekend’s European Tour return.

The Iceman remains a formidable force on the big stage, and while Littler marched on to face Michael van Gerwen in the final, Price leaves Amsterdam with encouragement that his best form may be close at hand.