LITTLER LIFTS LID ON PRICE CHAT AFTER CONTROVERSIAL CELEBRATION
01/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE LITTLER has lifted the lid on his chat with Gerwyn Price and referee Huw Ware after a controversial celebration.
World No7 Price performed a trademark “Big Finish” celebration after hitting a 170 score — not a checkout — in the 15th leg on Thursday night.
The Iceman’s reeling-in gesture took place in Littler’s peripheral vision while the teenager was standing at the oche preparing for his next visit.
The Nuke made his frustration known to referee Ware, prompting intervention before the next leg.
Ahead of leg 16, Ware had words with Price and delivered a warning, before the Welshman and Littler cleared the air with a brief chat and a hug on stage.
Littler said: “Gez just thought he was out of my eyeline when he reeled the fish into the fans.
“I think I hit a 59. I just threw my darts.
“I just looked at Huw. I just said there’s no need for that.
“Then Huw spoke to Gez and he said he didn’t realise and then it was all good.”
The Warrington wonderkid held off a stunning comeback from Price, who recovered from 9-4 down before losing 10-9 in a decider.
Littler admitted the dramatic contest brought back memories of Night Seven in Dublin, when he overturned a 5-0 deficit to beat Price 6-5 in the final.
The pair shared a hug following their Finals Night showdown, with Littler revealing Price had referenced their memorable clash in Dublin.
He added: “I mean, he obviously said ‘well done’.
“And then he said he was thinking about Dublin when he came back against me.
“It was ticking through my brain as well as his because every leg Gez kept winning, I was just like, ‘Don’t let it happen, Luke. Don’t let it happen.’
“That’s what he said at the end.”
Littler went onto claim his 13th major title after beating Luke Humphries 11-10 in the final.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
