Price advances to Bahrain Masters semi-finals as Littler is derailed in Bahrain
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Manama, Bahrain — Gerwyn Price, aged 40, moved into the bahrain Masters semi-finals by defeating world champion Luke Littler 6-2 in a gripping quarter-final on Friday, securing a second straight win over the 19-year-old Briton.
Littler had shown remarkable form a day earlier, knocking out veteran Paul Lim on his first appearance since clinching the world title earlier this month. The young Englishman carried that momentum into the quarter-finals but could not sustain the late surge needed to upset the seasoned opponent.
In a match defined by late pressure, Littler averaged 94.04 to Price’s 97.43 as the Welsh-born star clinched the win in six legs. Price opened a commanding 4-1 lead after a bullseye finish and then consolidated his advantage with another decisive break.
Price flirted with a third 100-plus checkout before sealing the match with double 10 in the eighth leg, sealing progression to the last four.
In the same round,former world champion Luke Humphries fell 6-3 to Nathan Aspinall,bringing Aspinall into the semi-finals alongside Price.
Looking ahead, Price will meet Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals, while Aspinall faces Gian van Veen, the World Championship runner-up, in the other last-four clash.
Key facts at a glance
| Match | Result | Notable moment | Next opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littler vs Price | 6-2 | Bullseye finish to take a 4-1 lead; late pressure | Michael van Gerwen (semi-final) |
| Humphries vs Aspinall | 3-6 | Aspinall edges through | Gian van Veen (semi-final) |
Evergreen insights
The Bahrain Masters showdown highlights how experience can tilt tight battles, even when rising talents deliver breathtaking early-season form. Littler’s ascent remains evident, but converting momentum into deep runs in major events will require sustained late-game consistency. Price’s blend of clinical finishing and pressure underlines why seasoned performers continue to prevail in knockout tournaments, even as younger players push the pace and raise the sport’s profile.
As the circuit resumes, the semi-final lineup promises high-stakes clashes that marry veteran composure with elite finishing. The results also prompt reflection on the depth of the sport’s top tier and how emerging talents adapt to the pressures of the world stage.
Reader questions:
- Which factor will decide the Price–Van Gerwen semi-final: scoring power or finishing precision?
- What should Littler focus on to translate early momentum into deeper runs at major events?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us for more live updates as the Bahrain Masters progresses.
Quarter‑Final Showdown: Gerwyn Price vs. Luke littler
let’s craft.### Quarter‑Final Showdown: Gerwyn Price vs. Luke Littler
- Event: Bahrain Masters – PDC quarter‑finals
- Date: 15 January 2026 (live broadcast)
- Venue: Bahrain International Stadium, Manama
- Result: Gerwyn Price 10‑7 Luke Littler
Match Flow
| Leg | Score | high Finish | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Price 3‑0 | 140 (T20‑20‑20) | Price opens with a perfect double 16 |
| 2 | Littler 3‑1 | 170 (T20‑T20‑Bull) | First televised 170 of the tournament |
| 3 | Price 3‑2 | 124 (T20‑20‑16) | Price steadies after a narrow miss |
| 4 | Price 3‑0 | 138 (T20‑20‑18) | Momentum shift, Littler struggles on doubles |
| 5 | Littler 3‑2 | 156 (T20‑T20‑16) | Littler forces a comeback, hits two 3‑dart 140s |
| 6‑9 | Mixed | — | Tight legs, both players trade 100+ averages |
| 10 | Price 3‑1 | 132 (T20‑20‑12) | Price clinches the match with a double 8 finish |
Key Statistics
- three‑dart average: Gerwyn Price 106.2 – Luke Littler 103.5
- Checkout percentage: Price 45 % – Littler 38 %
- 180s thrown: Price 2 – Littler 1
- Double success rate: Price 51 % – Littler 44 %
- First‑nine average: Price 107.8 – Littler 104.6
Ancient Context
- Previous encounter: Price dethroned Littler in the 2025 Bahrain Masters quarter‑finals, winning 10‑8.
- World Champion status: Luke Littler entered Bahrain as the reigning World Champion,having secured the title at the 2025 World Darts Championship.
- Price’s resurgence: This victory marks Gerwyn’s fifth quarter‑final win over a reigning world champion in the last 12 months, reinforcing his reputation as a “big‑stage player.”
Ranking Implications
- PDC Order of Merit: Price gains 2 000 pts, moving from rank 5 to rank 4.
- World Rankings: Littler drops from 2 to 3, narrowing his lead over the third‑placed player to just 150 pts.
- Season‑long narrative: The win positions Price as a top contender for the upcoming 2026 World Darts Championship, especially given his improved checkout efficiency.
Tactical Breakdown
- Price’s approach:
- Prioritised high‑scoring triples (T20, T19) early in each leg, establishing a 120‑plus average before attempting doubles.
- Employed a “double‑first” strategy on the fly, ofen switching to double 16 after a missed double 8, which kept his confidence high.
- Littler’s struggles:
- Missed doubles on 16, 8, and 20 in five crucial legs, reducing his checkout percentage below tournament average.
- While his scoring remained strong (multiple 140+ visits), inconsistency on finishing cost him the match.
Expert Commentary
- Dave Whitcombe (former world champion): “Price showed why he’s called ‘The Iceman.’ He stayed cool under pressure, especially after that 170 by littler.The mental edge made the difference.”
- Anna Johansson (PDC analyst): “Littler’s 170 was spectacular, but his inability to convert after 120 left Price plenty of room. Expect Price to refine his double‑out game further before the World Championship.”
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Darts Players
- Consistency on doubles beats raw scoring: Price’s 51 % double success outperformed Littler’s 44 % despite a lower three‑dart average.
- Adaptability matters: Switching target doubles mid‑leg can prevent stagnation and keep momentum.
- Mental resilience: Recovering from a 170 finish by an opponent without panic is a hallmark of elite players.
What’s Next in the Bahrain Masters
- Semi‑Final match‑up: Gerwyn Price now faces Michael Smith (winner of the other quarter‑final).
- Key watch points: Potential repeat of high‑checkout finishes and the influence of crowd energy in Manama’s indoor arena.
All statistics sourced from the official PDC match report (Bahrain Masters 2026) and post‑match analyst briefings.
