Price and Van Veen Complete Semi-Final Field
The semi-final line-up for the 2026 World Matchplay is set after Gerwyn Price and Gian van Veen progressed through Friday evening’s quarter-finals at the Winter Gardens. The pair join defending champion Luke Littler and Dirk van Duijvenbode in the last four, ensuring a high-calibre conclusion to one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
In the evening’s opening match, Gerwyn Price produced a determined performance to end the challenge of Ross Smith, securing a 16-12 victory. The tie began with Smith taking the first leg with a 47 finish, but Price responded immediately with a fine 117 checkout. After Smith edged ahead again, an 80 finish from Price saw him take a narrow 3-2 lead into the first interval. ‘The Iceman’ returned to break throw, holding on double five for 4-2 before an 86 checkout extended his lead to 5-3. Smith held with another 47 checkout, but Price kept the pressure on with an 82 finish to go 6-4 up. Though Smith mounted a late comeback, Price’s early control proved decisive as he advanced to his second semi-final in Blackpool.
The second quarter-final of the night saw Gian van Veen overcome James Wade, the runner-up in the 2025 event. Van Veen’s victory ensures he will be the man to face Price for a place in Sunday’s final, ending Wade’s hopes of another deep run at the famous seaside venue.
With the quarter-finals concluded, the tournament moves towards its climax. The other semi-final will see defending champion Luke Littler, who has posted three consecutive averages over 109 on his way to the last four, take on the unseeded Dirk van Duijvenbode. The confirmation of the final four will have shifted the calculations on many best odds bookmakers‘ lists, as the remaining contenders vie for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
