Gerwyn Price, known as ‘The Iceman’, delivered a stunning performance at the World Matchplay, defeating fellow former World Champion Rob Cross 11-5 to secure his spot in the quarter-finals. After a closely contested start, Price reignited his signature intensity, taking control of the match with a powerful surge. This impressive victory sets up an exciting quarter-final clash against Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies unfortunately had to withdraw due to illness.
The Winter Gardens audience witnessed a captivating second-round encounter on Wednesday night as Gerwyn Price faced Rob Cross. The initial stages of the match were a tense back-and-forth, with both players struggling to establish dominance. Four consecutive breaks of throw saw them locked at 2-2, showcasing the high stakes and early nerves. Rob Cross, known as ‘Voltage’, momentarily found his rhythm, taking a slight lead into the first break and appearing, at times, unstoppable.
However, Price, a former World Champion and World Number One, is renowned for his ability to find an extra gear, and he did just that. Unleashing the “old me” firepower he mentioned post-match, Price launched a decisive mid-match surge. He dramatically turned the tide, winning nine of the next eleven legs. This dominant run, primarily in the second mini-session, completely shifted the momentum, allowing Price to comfortably close out the match with an 11-5 victory.
Price Reflects on His Resurgence
After the match, Gerwyn Price spoke candidly about what fueled his comeback. He emphasized that it wasn’t just about throwing darts well, but about rediscovering the fierce energy and passion that defines his game at its peak.
- “I think I showed a bit of the old me,” Price stated, highlighting his renewed intensity on stage.
- “I need that energy, I need that buzz.”
- “You’re going to see the old me.”
This commitment to bringing back his trademark aggressive style signals a formidable challenge for his upcoming opponents.
A Solid Week Continues for The Iceman
This victory marks a continuation of a strong week for the Welsh darts star. In his first-round match, Price faced a tough challenge against Martin Schindler, needing extra legs to secure an 11-9 win after trailing for much of the game. Wednesday’s performance, however, was far more assured and dominant, demonstrating his growing confidence and form.
Quarter-Final Showdown: Price vs. Smith
Gerwyn Price’s path now leads to a highly anticipated quarter-final match against Ross Smith. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two top players.
Ross Smith advanced to the quarter-finals under unusual circumstances. His second-round opponent, Cameron Menzies, was unfortunately forced to retire from their match due to illness, giving Smith a walkover victory. While not the way any player wants to progress, Smith will undoubtedly be preparing rigorously for his battle against the revitalized ‘Iceman’.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
