Darts fans were left stunned at Players Championship 5 as three of the sport’s biggest names and Premier League contenders – Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Josh Rock – all crashed out in the very first round. Despite entering the tournament as bookmakers’ favorites, these elite players faced unexpected defeats, highlighting the cutthroat and unpredictable nature of professional darts. Their early exits signal potential ongoing struggles for some and set the stage for an intriguing rest of the Players Championship series.
Unforeseen Exits: Premier League Giants Stumble in Leicester
The latest Players Championship event, held in Leicester, delivered a series of shocking upsets as three prominent Premier League players failed to advance past their opening matches. Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Josh Rock, all highly regarded in the darts world, experienced premature exits, much to the surprise of spectators and pundits alike.
Jonny Clayton’s Dramatic Collapse
Jonny Clayton, “The Ferret,” fresh off a weekly win in the Premier League, seemed poised for a strong run. However, he met an unexpected challenge in world number 48, Connor Scutt. The match became a nail-biting encounter:
- Clayton initially stormed ahead, securing a three-leg lead.
- Despite this strong start, Scutt mounted an incredible comeback, winning four consecutive legs to take the match 6-5.
- Clayton’s performance dipped significantly in the crucial final leg, where he averaged a mere 63.50.
- Overall, Clayton finished with an average of just 89.50, a noticeable drop from his recent stellar form in Glasgow, compared to Scutt’s solid 92.41.
This early defeat marks a significant setback for Clayton, especially given his recent success.
Josh Rock’s Close Call
Young sensation Josh Rock also found himself on the wrong side of a last-leg decider. He faced James Hurrell in a tightly contested match that could have gone either way:
- Rock ultimately lost to Hurrell, who maintained a respectable average of 95.21.
- Rock’s own average stood at 92.82, indicating a competitive but ultimately insufficient performance.
- The decisive moment came when Rock was left with 56 after 18 darts, only for James Hurrell to confidently take out 25, sealing his victory and sending the second Premier League player home.
A narrow margin separated Rock from progressing, underscoring the fine line between victory and defeat in professional darts.
Gerwyn Price’s Continuing Struggles
Perhaps the most significant exit was that of Gerwyn Price, “The Iceman,” who has openly discussed his recent struggles. Price had opted out of the European Tour in Poland, citing a need to prepare better for the Pro Tours. However, his return to action at Players Championship 5 mirrored his first-round exit in the Premier League last week.
- Price suffered a 6-2 defeat against Adam Lipscombe.
- Intriguingly, Price held a higher average of 95.00 compared to Lipscombe’s 92.75, yet still lost decisively. This often indicates a struggle with crucial doubles or timing in key moments.
- After winning two legs to go 2-1 up, Price then lost an astonishing five legs on the spin, ending his hopes in the tournament.
- This loss marks the second time this month that Price has been knocked out in the first round of a Players Championship event by Adam Lipscombe, and by the exact same scoreline (6-2) as in event three last week.
As the top seed and bookmakers’ favourite, Price’s repeated early exits signal a period of significant challenge for the former World Champion. His struggles, though acknowledged, remain evident on the oche.
What This Means for the Premier League Stars
The collective first-round exits of Price, Clayton, and Rock were unforeseen, especially as they were widely tipped as favourites to go deep in the tournament. These results underscore the depth of talent in the Players Championship series, where any player can cause an upset on their day.
While disappointing, these early departures offer the players an immediate opportunity to regroup and bounce back in subsequent events. The pressure will now be on them to regain their form and confidence as the season progresses, particularly with the demanding Premier League schedule ongoing.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
