The 18-year-old, chasing his first World Grand Prix title, looked on the verge of defeat after falling two sets behind to the 2020 champion. But the teenager dug deep, rediscovering his rhythm to claw his way back into contention and ultimately prevail in a deciding-leg classic at the Mattioli Arena.
Price, fired up from the start, punished Littler’s early doubling troubles and appeared in control after racing into a two-set lead. But the reigning world champion responded in style, averaging 107 in the third set to halve the deficit.
Littler’s escape act continued in the fourth. After surviving three match darts, he landed a nerveless 154 checkout to level the contest and force a fifth and final set.
The Warrington prodigy appeared to have completed his comeback when he moved 2-0 ahead in the decider, only for Price to hit back with a brilliant 156 finish and force a final-leg shootout.
Both players faltered on their opening doubles in the deciding leg, but with Price waiting on a potential two-darter, Littler struck a stunning 152 to complete an astonishing comeback.
“What a strange game,” said Littler, who faces Jonny Clayton in Saturday’s semi-finals. “When I was 2-0 down, I just said to myself: ‘It’s now or never.’ We were both feeling the nerves at the end, but I’m just glad I hit that winning double.”
Clayton booked his semi-final spot with a commanding straight-sets win over Dirk van Duijvenbode, reeling off nine consecutive legs after losing the opener. The Welshman, the 2021 champion, averaged 99 and hit three ton-plus finishes, 112, 118 and 130, in a dominant display.
“I knew I had to be close to my A-game,” said Clayton. “Dirk’s a great player and a big character, so I’m just glad to get over the line. I’ve got a smile on my face -- it’s going to be tough tomorrow, but I’m still here, so watch out.”
Elsewhere, defending champion Luke Humphries continued his impressive form with a 3-1 victory over Cameron Menzies to reach his third consecutive World Grand Prix semi-final.
The world No. 1 overcame a spirited mid-match surge from the Scot, firing five 180s and hitting 46% of his doubles to keep his title defence alive.
“I felt amazing tonight,” said Humphries. “My scoring was brilliant. I’ve slowed my throw down and feel really relaxed -- maybe this is a new version of me starting to come out.”
Humphries will face Dutchman Danny Noppert in the other semi-final after the former UK Open champion beat Gary Anderson 3-1.
Anderson won the opening set with a 158 on the bull, but Noppert’s clinical doubling (11 from 18) proved decisive as he finished with a composed 92 after Anderson missed a dart to force a decider.
“I’m speechless,” Noppert admitted. “It was a rollercoaster of a game, but I’m so happy to be in the semi-finals. What a match -- I was nervous, but I finished it perfectly.”
The World Grand Prix continues on Saturday with both semi-finals: Humphries v Noppert, followed by Littler’s showdown with Clayton in what promises to be a blockbuster night of darts in Leicester.
Results
Danny Noppert 3-1 Gary Anderson
Dirk van Duijvenbode 0-3 Jonny Clayton
Luke Littler 3-2 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 3-1 Cameron Menzies
Fixtures
Luke Humphries v Danny Noppert
Luke Littler v Jonny Clayton