Gerwyn Price shocks Adrian Lewis at World Matchplay Darts
Wednesday 22 July 2015 06:03, UK
Gerwyn Price earned the biggest win of his career with a shock 13-10 victory over Adrian Lewis at the World Matchplay Darts on Tuesday.
The world No 46 will advance into the quarter-finals at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens after a thrilling display lit up by his ability to break the two-time world champion’s throw.
The signs were ominous for the experienced Stoke thrower when Price broke his throw in the very first leg, overcoming Lewis’ early 180.
‘Jackpot’ immediately broke back with a classy 81 checkout but it was the former professional rugby player who led going into the first break after hitting double top to check out, a shot he would succeed with throughout the night.
The Welsh underdog’s finishing remained exquisite and he also took out 81 against the throw and although Lewis broke back he bore the burden of a competitor who was always playing catch-up.
Full of confidence with Welsh flags noticeable in the crowd, Price hammered a maximum and checked out from 34 for another break of throw before holding his own to go 7-3 up.
Lewis easily held his throw to pile pressure on his less experienced opponent but Price held his nerve, winning a shoot-out to check out from 10 before ‘Jackpot’ could aim for 40.
Remarkably, Price increased his own expectation by breaking again – both players were on 40 but it was the underdog who hit his target first for 9-4.
Lewis staged a respectable fightback which ultimately only served to increase Price’s achievement in not buckling. Lewis broke the throw then hit double top to hold his own but Price wouldn’t back down, edging 10-6 ahead.
Price took his time before sewing up his 11th leg but duly took out 65 before hitting tops to break Lewis’ throw.
A stunning leg followed where Lewis had the expression of a defeated man, only for Price to let him off the hook but he returned in the next leg to nail double 20 at his third attempt to end the match.
“I never thought in a million years I’d be here, I always thought I’d play rugby forever,” the 30-year-old said. “I messed my rugby career up but this is a second chance which I won’t let go.”
Price will meet Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright for a place in the semi-finals.
“He beat me in the World Darts Championship when I didn’t take my chances,” he said. “I’ll get my own back!”
