Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today
Gerwyn Price has returned to winning ways with victory at the Nordic Darts Masters.
Price, from Markham, beat Rob Cross 8-5 in the final on Saturday June 8 – his first big stage title since Wales’ World Cup of Darts win last June.
Price, 39, got the competition underway in Copenhagen on Friday June 7 – defeating Latvia’s Madars Razma 6-2 in the opening round.
He then cruised to a 6-1 win over Belgium’s Dimitri Van den Bergh in the quarter-finals, before beating 2023 world champion Michael Smith 7-3 in the semi-finals.
It set up a final clash with Cross, who had beaten Price in the previous weekend’s US Darts Masters final in New York. But there would be no repeat this time around.
Price capitalised on a slow start from Cross in the Danish capital by creating a four-leg buffer, but his charge was halted by a 170 checkout in leg five.
A Cross resurgence reduced the deficit to 5-4, but Price responded with legs of 11 and 12-dart holds to move one leg away from glory.
After Cross missed double 16 for a 108 skin-saver, the 2021 World Champion wrapped up proceedings via double two to claim victory and take home the £20,000 top prize.
“I’m chuffed to bits,” reflected Price, a runner-up to Peter Wright at this event in January 2023.
“I have been struggling to get over the winning line, but you need a bit of luck sometimes and I haven’t had much luck over the last couple of months.
“I had a little bit of luck in the semi-finals against Michael Smith, who didn’t capitalise on a poor game from me, but I’m just glad to win a final and get another trophy in the bank.
“I will push on from here. My game is in a good place, and I’m ready for the big tournaments coming up.”
Cross, who fought back valiantly despite an indifferent start, said: “I’m happy for Gezzy.
“Gezzy plays well every week and he deserves that. That win will pick him up.
“It wasn’t meant to be tonight, but I’m pleased with my game and I’ve got a lot to look forward to.”
Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.
Become a member today