Gerwyn Price reaches World Matchplay semi-finals
Gerwyn Price powered into the World Matchplay semi-finals on Friday evening, dispatching Ross Smith 16-12 in a compelling quarter-final clash at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, reports BritPanorama.
The Welshman posted a 102.78 average throughout the contest and will face Dutch third seed Gian van Veen in tonight’s last-four encounter.
Price appeared to have the match firmly in his grasp at 12-8 ahead; however, Smith mounted a spirited fightback, levelling the contest at 12-12. Price responded emphatically, reeling off four successive legs to secure his passage.
This victory marks Price’s bid to reach the Blackpool showpiece for the first time since 2022. Should he overcome Van Veen this evening, he would progress to Sunday’s best-of-35 final against either defending champion Luke Littler or Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Price acknowledged the quality of his display for much of the match but expressed frustration at missed opportunities that allowed Smith to come back into contention. “I was delighted with the way I played for the majority of the game, but there were a couple of legs that I let slip,” he told reporters.
Rather than celebrating his four-leg cushion at 12-8, Price reflected on his missed chances, admitting he felt he should have been further ahead. “I’m actually thinking I should be 13-7 or 14-6 because I’d wasted a few opportunities,” he noted. He added, “It’s just about the next leg, then the next leg, then the next leg. I’m happy to win, but I’m a little bit frustrated as well.”
His finishing proved a decisive factor, being clinical in spells while inconsistent enough to keep Smith in the contest. Price also turned his attention to Littler, the world number one and overwhelming favourite to retain his crown, contending that the teenager is not invincible despite his extraordinary consistency.
“I think there’s a lot of players that can get to that level,” Price stated. He suggested that some opponents allow Littler to dictate the flow of the game without challenge, stating, “I think some players play into his hand and just let him play with his rhythm.”
Price’s message was clear: disrupting Littler’s tempo and seizing key moments is essential for anyone hoping to deny the defending champion a second successive Blackpool title.
As the semi-finals approach, the stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. In darts, as in life, it’s often the next throw that counts most.
