Former Masters Champion Joe Cullen defeated 2022 Finalist Gerwyn Price 13-11 at the 2023 Betfred World Matchplay, to reach the Quarter Finals.
Meanwhile his Winmau stablemate, Daryl Gurney, defeated Gary Anderson for the 2nd consecutive year at the Winter Gardens, winning 11-4 in the opening match of the session.
The Rockstar started strong against last year’s runner up, opening a 4-1 lead in the first mini session including checkouts of 90, and 70 to break throw.
Joe continued from where he left off after the break, again showing composure on the outer ring after hitting double 16 to finish his first 112 checkout of the match.
Price played his part in what was an epic encounter on the Winter Gardens stage, hitting 11 of the 18 maximums in the match and finding the highest finish of 116.
The Iceman moved to within one of victory after breaking with an 88 finish before holding in the next leg to open a 10-8 lead.
Cullen though included back-to-back checkouts on the bullseye to save himself, before finding his 2nd 112 finish to break throw and clinch a 13-11 victory over the World Number 4. The Rockstar beats Price for the 2nd time at the Winter Gardens having also won in the 2018 competition.
“At times my form deserted me, but I think I earned that. I don’t think Gerwyn played at his best and I think subconsciously I gave him too much respect, but I’m pleased with where my game is at, and when I needed it most, I excelled.”
“I think I’ve got a score to settle with myself. I’ve lost so many amazing games on the big stage, so it was about time I came out on the right end of one.”
Cullen sets up an all Winmau Quarter Final against Daryl Gurney after the Northern Irishman came through the nights curtain raiser against Gary Anderson.
Superchin flew out of the gates on the Winter Gardens stage, going 6/6 on the outer ring to open a 6-0 lead on the Flying Scotsman who was only afforded two shots at the bull.
The Northern Irishman continued to threaten in the 2nd mini session and broke throw again in the 10th leg, to lead 8-2.
Both players averaged over 100 in Blackpool with Gurney scoring 104.43 and Anderson hitting 102.47 over the 15 legs played in Blackpool.
It was the form on the outer ring though that made all the difference in the contest, with the 2-time former Semi Finalist including a checkout rate of 68.75% having missed just 5 darts at double.
“I was so focused tonight. I knew when I got a chance, I had to take it, and I’m so proud of the way I approached that game.”
“I definitely believe I’ve got another TV title in me, and this format lends itself to my game, but I have to reset now and produce my best in the Quarter Finals.”
Elsewhere, World Number 1 Michael Smith crashed out after losing 11-7 to Masters Champion Chris Dobey in the night’s final match.
Hollywood will meet Nathan Aspinall in the Quarter Finals after he beat Danny Noppert 11-9 in the other Last 16 tie on Day 4.
Wednesday sees the remaining Second Round matches with Brendan Dolan taking on Damon Heta in the nights curtain raiser, and 2021 winner Peter Wright facing Ryan Searle live on Sky Sports from the Winter Gardens.
2023 Betfred World Matchplay: Day 4 Results
Last 16:
Daryl Gurney 11-4 Gary Anderson
Nathan Aspinall (9) 11-9 Danny Noppert (8)
Joe Cullen (13) 13-11 Gerwyn Price (4)
Chris Dobey 11-7 Michael Smith (1) Day 5: Order of Play Brendan Dolan v Damon Heta (14)
Jonny Clayton (7) v Dimitri van den Bergh (10)
Peter Wright (2) v Ryan Searle (15)
Luke Humphries (6) v Dirk van Duijvenbode (11)
—–Ends—–
Images: Taylor Lanning / PDC
