A truly unforgettable day in the world of darts unfolded in Leicester, witnessing two monumental achievements. Gerwyn Price, ‘The Iceman,’ showcased his formidable talent by securing his 22nd Players Championship title with a dominant performance, reaffirming his status as a top contender. Simultaneously, rising sensation Beau Greaves etched her name into the history books, becoming the first woman ever to throw a perfect nine-dart finish on the PDC Pro Tour. This dual triumph delivered both expected excellence and groundbreaking achievement, marking a truly memorable chapter for the sport.
Price Reigns Supreme: ‘The Iceman’ Claims 22nd Title
Stung by a disappointing early exit the day before, Gerwyn Price returned to the Mattioli Arena with a renewed, **laser-sharp focus and an explosive scoring ability**. Each dart was perfectly placed, each checkout a thunderous conclusion, as he swept through the competition to claim an impressive 22nd Players Championship title in his career.
Price’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary:
- He played **seven matches and secured seven victories**.
- **Five of these wins featured averages soaring above 100 points**, demonstrating exceptional consistency.
- He started by conceding only a single leg to Cristo Reyes, then accelerated through the gears.
Opponents like Maik Kuivenhoven, Lukas Wenig, and Scott Waites were dispatched with ruthless efficiency, often facing scoring barrages that neared the 110-point mark per three darts. This wasn’t just winning; it was **a masterclass in darting domination**.
Price’s Path to Victory
The latter stages of the tournament tested his resolve. Price overcame a strong performance from Kevin Doets, winning their quarter-final 6-4. In the semi-final, he faced compatriot and friend Jonny Clayton in a highly anticipated rematch, **avenging a recent Premier League defeat** from Glasgow with a hard-fought 7-4 victory. The final against Andrew Gilding, however, proved to be a less dramatic affair, with Price’s relentless precision proving too much for his opponent.
Andrew Gilding’s Resilient Run
Andrew ‘Goldfinger’ Gilding, known for his affable nature and unwavering consistency, had an admirable run to the final. Despite being a veteran of the Pro Tour for fourteen years, he is still searching for his maiden floor triumph. However, his **UK Open title ensures his legacy is anything but modest**.
Gilding’s journey to the final included tough victories against Scott Williams, Leon Weber, Martin Dragt, and Kim Huybrechts. He then edged out Tuesday’s champion, Ross Smith, in a nail-biting last-leg decider, and secured his spot against Price by overcoming Thibault Tricole in a sudden-death shootout.
Beau Greaves: A Nine-Dart Revolution
Amidst Price’s triumph, another seismic event unfolded. Doncaster prodigy **Beau Greaves made history by throwing the first-ever nine-dart finish by a woman on the PDC Pro Tour**. This immaculate leg occurred during her second-round victory over Mensur Suljović, who could only bow in appreciation of the incredible skill he had just witnessed.
What is a Nine-Dart Finish?
A nine-dart finish is often considered the ‘perfect game’ in darts. It involves scoring 501 points in the fewest possible darts – exactly nine. This rare feat requires immense precision and concentration, typically achieved by hitting combinations like three treble 20s, three treble 20s, and then treble 20, treble 19, double 12. It’s a moment of pure darting genius that electrifies audiences and solidifies a player’s place in the sport’s lore.
For many, Greaves’ achievement wasn’t a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’. Much like other rising stars, she treats historical darting milestones as minor inconveniences, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Her accomplishment in Leicester is a testament to her extraordinary talent and a thrilling moment for the sport as a whole.
A Memorable Event for Darts Fans
This Players Championship event delivered on all fronts: the consistent excellence of a top-tier player like Gerwyn Price, and the groundbreaking, history-making moment from Beau Greaves. It was a day that will be talked about for years to come, showcasing the very best of darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
