At the highly anticipated World Matchplay 2026, a truly rare feat has been accomplished: only three players have managed to throw two perfect, or near-perfect, 10-dart legs. Niels Zonneveld, Luke Littler, and Gerwyn Price have each etched their names into the tournament’s history books with this incredible display of precision. Adding another layer to the drama, Price has also hinted at a potential break from the prestigious Premier League, citing his daughter’s pregnancy as a new, significant priority.
The Unbelievable 10-Dart Leg: A Mark of Darts Excellence
In the fast-paced world of professional darts, a ’10-dart leg’ is an extraordinary achievement that separates the good from the truly exceptional. To complete a leg (typically starting from 501 points) in just ten throws requires a combination of impeccable scoring power and flawless checkout ability. It demands precision, nerve, and often multiple maximums (180s) or high scores coupled with a perfect finish.
This level of performance is incredibly rare, making each instance a highlight of any tournament. To achieve it twice in a single major competition like the World Matchplay is a testament to a player’s absolute peak form and consistency under immense pressure.
World Matchplay 2026: An Exclusive Club of Double 10-Dart Masters
The 2026 World Matchplay has already proven to be a tournament of unprecedented quality, with three players achieving the remarkable feat of throwing two 10-dart legs. This makes them part of an incredibly exclusive club, demonstrating their sheer dominance and skill.
The Elite Three:
- Niels Zonneveld (Netherlands): Achieved two 10-dart legs during the First Round, setting a blistering pace early in the tournament.
- Luke Littler (England): The darts sensation also recorded two 10-dart legs, one in the First Round and another in the Second Round, showcasing why he’s considered one of the sport’s brightest stars.
- Gerwyn Price (Wales): ‘The Iceman’ joined this elite group by throwing his first 10-dart leg in the Quarter-Finals and then a second, newly confirmed leg, in the Semi-Finals.
These performances highlight the incredible standard of play at this year’s World Matchplay, with fans witnessing darting perfection on multiple occasions.
Gerwyn Price’s Personal News: A Potential Premier League Break?
Beyond his on-board heroics, Gerwyn Price has also made headlines with a significant personal announcement. The former World Champion and top-tier player has revealed his daughter is expecting, stating, “My daughter is pregnant, I have other priorities.”
This deeply personal news has led Price to consider a potential break from the Premier League Darts circuit for a year. The Premier League is one of the sport’s most demanding events, featuring weekly fixtures across different cities. For a player of Price’s caliber, taking a year off would be a monumental decision, reflecting his commitment to family and the importance of this new chapter in his life. While not a definitive withdrawal, his comments suggest a shift in focus that could see one of darts’ biggest stars temporarily step away from one of its biggest stages.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
