Gerwyn Price, affectionately known as ‘The Iceman’, has secured his spot in the World Matchplay semi-finals for only the second time in his career, overcoming a fierce challenge from Ross Smith with a 16-12 victory. This electrifying quarter-final clash saw Price dominate early on, only for Smith to stage a remarkable four-leg comeback, pushing the former World Champion to his absolute limits before Price ultimately sealed his progression with a display of steely determination and clinical finishing.
Price Establishes Early Dominance
The highly anticipated rematch between Price and Smith, following their earlier Euro Tour 5 final encounter this season where Price also emerged victorious, promised fireworks – and it delivered. Right from the start, Price showcased his intent.
- First Mini-Session (3-2 Price): Price immediately broke Smith’s throw with a brilliant 80 checkout, navigating a tricky path to hit the crucial double top. This early break set the tone.
- Second Mini-Session (6-4 Price): Price continued to build his advantage, consistently finding more opportunities at the doubles than Smith. His powerful scoring, a factor many had predicted would be key, truly began to shine through.
Smith’s Misses Prove Costly
The turning point arrived towards the end of the third mini-session, highlighting the fine margins in professional darts. Price seized a crucial opportunity for a double break, extending his lead to 9-6. Smith was left to rue missed chances just two legs later. Despite being well ahead in the seventeenth leg, a series of missed doubles allowed Price back into the leg, effectively undoing all of Smith’s hard work and denying him a much-needed break back.
A Rollercoaster of Nerves and Skill
Just when it seemed Price was cruising, the match exploded into life. He produced what many called the leg of the match – a sensational ten-darter (achieved with scores of 140, 180, 141, and a 40 finish) – to stretch his lead to 12-8. However, Ross Smith, refusing to surrender, mounted an incredible fightback. He reeled off four consecutive legs without reply, remarkably levelling the score at 12-12 and sending shockwaves through the Winter Gardens crowd.
Price Reasserts Control and Closes It Out
Yet again, Smith’s valiant efforts ultimately went unrewarded as Price, demonstrating his championship pedigree, regained a two-leg advantage. The decisive moment came in leg twenty-seven. Price secured a final, crucial break with a sensational 91 finish, hitting double-double to seal the deal. He then closed out the match 16-12.
Price’s performance was underlined by impressive statistics:
- Overall Average: 102.78
- Maximums (180s): 10 across the contest
Looking Ahead: Confidence and Caution
Reflecting on his hard-fought victory, Price expressed satisfaction:
“It was nice to play well when someone else is playing well against you… thankfully I reeled off those four legs on the bounce.”
He sounded a confident note about his prospects for the remainder of the tournament:
“I’m going to get better and better as this tournament goes on.”
Price now awaits his semi-final opponent, either James Wade or Gian van Veen, offering a tactical insight into both:
“They’re both quite slow, methodical. Whoever comes through, it’s going to be a good game.”
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
