Luke Littler hits back at Gerwyn Price’s claim that rival darts stars make life too easy for him

LUKE LITTLER has hit back at Gerwyn Price’s claim that rivals make life too easy for him. The world No.1 believes anyone who faces him has to produce something special to stop him after storming into a second successive World Matchplay final, tonight. Gerwyn Price has insisted some of his peers make life easy for Littler Credit: Getty But Littler has hit back at Price’s claims insisting he is a major scalp for anyone Credit: Getty Littler, 19, demolished Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5 at the Winter Gardens with a stunning 110.88 average and 16 maximums to set up a showdown with Price. The teen sensation was responding to the Welshman’s suggestion that some stars allow him to settle into his rhythm too easily. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! But Littler insists the challenge of facing him forces opponents to find another level. He said: “I wouldn’t feel that way. I know every player is going to play at least ten times better against me than they did in the previous round because they have to. “If I’m producing these numbers consistently then someone is going to have to do something really special to beat me. Littler has been in unstoppable form throughout the event and is currently averaging 110.88. The 13-time major winner is also on course to smash Phil Taylor’s record for the highest-ever tournament average of 106.31 if he can maintain his incredible level. He added: “I know I’m capable of doing many great things in this sport. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Littler and Price have faced each other countless times already and Littler is ahead 20-8 overall Credit: Getty “Since the first round the averages have been there. They’ve gone up, back down and now back up around the 110 mark. “As long as I play like this tomorrow then hopefully I can lift the trophy again. “I’ve always watched the averages and what players were doing. I remember Michael’s huge average against Michael Smith in the Premier League. “Back then I never thought I’d become a professional and do those sorts of things, but I’m close enough to it now. As long as I keep improving and producing performances like this then I’ll be happy.” Littler is aiming to become the first player in a decade to win the Phil Taylor Trophy in back-to-back years. The Warrington whizkid remains grounded despite becoming darts’ first £3million man. He continued: “I just want to win trophies. The prize money comes with the trophies. “It’s always been trophies first, never money first. As long as I keep winning trophies, the money will come with it.” Comment now