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Darts star Gerwyn Price got his World Matchplay campaign off to a winning start, seeing off Daryl Gurney to reach the second round.
Price, from Markham, took a 6-2 lead over his Northern Irish opponent, whose response threatened a famous comeback.
However, Price got the job done in a fiery contest at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Monday evening. He defied a spectacular 150 checkout from Gurney with back-to-back legs of 11 and 14 darts to wrap up a 10-7 victory.
It was the first time the pair had met since last month’s World Cup of Darts final, where Gurney’s Northern Ireland came out on top against Price and Jonny Clayton’s Wales.
Price, a World Matchplay runner-up in 2022, will face Chris Dobey in the next round on Wednesday July 23.
“I felt like I really struggled up there, but I still played pretty well,” said Price, who is chasing his first-ever Phil Taylor Trophy.
“Getting through the first round is always tough for me, but when I do then I’m dangerous.
“There’s a lot more in the tank which is good, and I feel like I’ve got so much more to give in this tournament.”
The competition, which got underway last Saturday, concludes with the final on Sunday July 27.
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