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Gerwyn Price clinched his fourth Players Championship title of the year with victory in Germany on Tuesday night.
Price, from Markham, beat Gian van Veen 8-5 in the final – exacting revenge for his defeat to the Dutchman at last weekend’s Czech Darts Open.
The Iceman, who has recently returned following a hand injury, kicked off his campaign with a 6-2 win over Dom Taylor. He followed that up by beating James Hurrell 6-1.
After beating Brendan Dolan 6-2, Price overturned 4-1 and 4-2 deficits against Andy Baetens and Wessel Nijman respectively.
He then beat William O’Connor 7-6 in the semi-finals – having come from 5-2 and 6-4 down – to book his spot in the final.
There, Price produced a brilliant display, averaging 109.28 and landing 13 maximums against Van Veen.
With revenge in his sights, Price enjoyed a strong start in the showpiece, winning the first six legs.
Price landed 122 and 129 checkouts during a blistering early barrage, although he was forced to defy a comeback from the young Dutchman, who responded with a five-leg blitz of his own.
Van Veen followed up 63 and 98 finishes with a 164 on the bull, before firing in consecutive 15-dart legs as Price began to falter on the outer ring.
However, the three-time Grand Slam champion arrested Van Veen’s charge with a sublime 11-darter in leg 12, before following up another brace of 180s by pinning double five to round off a terrific contest.
“I had to battle there,” reflected Price, who now moves above Van Veen to occupy top spot on the Players Championship rankings.
“Towards the end Gian took out the 164 and I thought: ‘Here we go again’.
“I thought I outplayed him but I couldn’t take my chances, and he was pinning some big finishes with his last dart.”
Price, who moves up to seventh on the PDC world rankings, continued: “I think I deserved to win today.
“My back was against the wall a couple of times, but I think that game against James Hurrell definitely won me the tournament.
“It’s been a frustrating few weeks with the infection in my hand, but I’m glad I’m here and I’m glad I won today.”
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