In a gripping Last 32 clash at the UK Open, Dutch talent Wessel Nijman’s impressive run came to an end as he fell 10-5 to the formidable Gerwyn Price. Despite a strong performance and a high average, Nijman was ultimately undone by crucial missed doubles, allowing “The Iceman” to advance to the Last 16 of the prestigious tournament.
Nijman’s Challenge Against ‘The Iceman’
The UK Open, often dubbed “The FA Cup of Darts” due to its open draw format, saw Wessel Nijman stepping onto the main stage for a high-stakes encounter against former World Champion Gerwyn Price. Nijman had made a significant impact on Friday night, delivering a stunning 10-1 victory over compatriot Raymond van Barneveld, boasting an impressive 102 average. To challenge Price, he needed to replicate that exceptional level.
Early Exchanges: A Battle for Control
The match began with Price asserting early dominance, securing a quick 2-0 lead with a 12- and 16-dart leg. However, Nijman quickly found his rhythm, demonstrating his finishing prowess. He clawed back the deficit and then surged ahead, taking a 3-2 lead into the first break with clinical finishes of 64, 91, and 96 in 11, 12, and 15 darts respectively.
Price Regains Momentum
After the brief interval, Price intensified his game. The Welshman produced two 15-darters and a 14-darter, rapidly regaining his two-leg advantage. Nijman responded with a 14-darter to stay within touching distance. The crucial tenth leg before the second break saw Price hold his throw, winning the mini-session 4-1 and establishing a 6-4 lead.
The Decisive Break and Missed Doubles
Following the second and final break, the next three legs went with the throw, keeping the tension high. However, in leg 13, Nijman struggled to find his scoring power, allowing Price to capitalize with a 15-darter, securing a crucial double break and moving to 8-5. The very next leg presented Nijman with a golden opportunity to break straight back, but he agonizingly missed five darts at a double. Price, ever the opportunist, seized the moment, taking the leg in 18 darts to reach match point at 9-5.
“The Iceman” then wasted no time in closing out the match. Starting strong, he was under 100 after nine darts and ultimately wrapped up the leg in 13 darts, sealing a 10-5 victory and his place in the Last 16.
Match Statistics: A Close Contest
Despite the comfortable scoreline for Price, the statistics reveal a tightly contested match where small margins made a significant difference:
- Gerwyn Price:
- Average: 101.80
- Double Percentage: 31.3%
- Wessel Nijman:
- Average: 100.11
- Double Percentage: 29.4%
Nijman’s impressive 100+ average highlights his scoring ability, but Price’s slightly superior finishing on the doubles, combined with Nijman’s critical misses, proved to be the deciding factor in this compelling UK Open encounter.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
