Price back on top of the world despite final defeat

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Gerwyn Price is darts world number one once again, despite defeat in the World Matchplay title final in Blackpool on Sunday evening.

Price, from Markham, was beaten 18-14 in a scintillating clash with three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen.

Bidding to become the first Welsh player to win the World Matchplay title, Price took an 11-8 lead over his Dutch opponent, but van Gerwen pulled back to level the tie at 12-12.

As the tension grew, van Gerwen took the lead with a 130 in leg 29. He then extended his lead and moved within a leg of victory.

But Price answered with a ninth 180 to keep his hopes alive, but the tie was sealed when van Gerwen scored a 121 checkout on the bullseye.

Following his defeat, Price said: “I was fortunate to be 9-6 up. Michael is a fantastic player and once he gets on a roll like that, it’s hard to contain him.

“I didn’t have a purple patch which I needed in this game, and I think Michael had it all game.

“Michael was fantastic. He’s a deserving winner. He is a great player and a great friend.

“I am definitely proud of myself, especially with the way I’ve been playing in the last couple of months. It just didn’t happen for me today.”

Price’s path to the final got underway with a 10-8 win over Germany’s Martin Schindler in the first round, before an 11-8 second round victory over Dave Chisnall.

At the quarter-final stage, Price earned a 16-14 win over Jose de Sousa, from Portugal, to set up a semi-final encounter with Dutchman Danny Noppert – which Price won 17-11.

As runner-up, Price claimed a £100,000 prize to leapfrog Peter Wright, who exited the competition at the quarter-final stage, as world number one.

Price first topped the PDC Order of Merit in January 2021 following his World Championship win, a position he held until earlier this year before regaining top spot over the weekend.