Gerwyn Price has reclaimed the world number one spot in darts after reaching the semi-finals of the World Matchplay in Blackpool. The Welshman defeated Portugal’s Jose De Sousa 16-14 in a thrilling quarter-final match on 18 July, securing his place in the last four for the first time in his career.
How did Gerwyn Price secure the win?
Price, nicknamed 'The Iceman,' dominated the early stages with a tournament-best average of 104.64. Despite De Sousa’s resilience and an 83% success rate on doubles, Price maintained his composure. The match saw both players produce spectacular 160 checkouts in the first four legs, but Price’s consistency gave him the edge.
The first 10 legs were shared, with neither player able to pull ahead by more than one leg. Price then won five of the next seven legs to take a 10-7 lead. Although De Sousa fought back to reduce the deficit, Price sealed the victory with a double eight after De Sousa missed five shots to level the match.
Why is this significant for Gerwyn Price?
Reclaiming the number one spot is a major achievement for Price, who has been a dominant force in darts since winning the World Championship in 2021. His victory over De Sousa not only secured his place in the semi-finals but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
Price’s confidence was evident in his post-match interview on Sky Sports. 'I think it’s where I deserve to be,' he said. 'I believe I’m world number one. That was a difficult game to come through, but I think I deserved that extra shot at the end because I bombed numerous chances.'
What’s next for Gerwyn Price?
Price will face Danny Noppert in the semi-finals, with the Dutchman also making his debut at this stage of the tournament. Noppert defeated fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode 16-11, showcasing his own impressive form.
The semi-final clash promises to be an exciting encounter, with both players aiming to reach the final of the World Matchplay for the first time. Price’s recent form and experience will be key as he looks to continue his winning streak and secure another major title.