The World Matchplay remains one of the few major titles to elude the highly decorated Gerwyn Price – and judging by the way he burst out of the traps, it’s clear The Iceman has no intention of waiting another year.
Gurney has two semi-final runs to his name, while Gezzy’s best showing was a runner-up finish a few years back. By the first ad break, it was Ice Ice Baby in full effect – the Markham man storming into a 4-1 lead with ruthless, pinpoint finishing.
But that early onslaught seemed to jolt the recent World Cup winner into gear, as Superchin responded superbly, chipping away at the deficit to trail just 6-4 by the time the next round of commercials rolled in.
Both players added a couple more legs to the tally to make it 8-6 – then came what felt like a pivotal moment: a massive 150 checkout from Gurney to break the Welshman’s throw.
Ordinarily, that’s a game-changer… if you can hold. But Daryl didn’t – and that proved the beginning of the end for the Derry man.
At the final whistle, there was more needle than a sewing shop. Both players were visibly upset with one another. The duo have history going back a few years, but after hugging and laughing following the World Cup final, everything looked hunky-dory.
Apparently, the old tension is back.So, seeing it a wise move to just speak about darts, I went in light – mentioning to Gezzy how things seem to have improved since he hit 40 in March, and how age catches up with the best of us.
“I’m a little bit younger than you, Paul! I dunno, I do feel a bit more relaxed over the past couple of years.”
I’ve noticed Gezzy’s dropped a bit of timber recently, and was fascinated to know the secret – especially given he owns a chippy.
“Well, I’m staying out of the place and super-gluing my lips! But yeah – Chippy 501 – thanks for the advertisement.”
Always confident, Price had only booked his hotel until today.
“Yeah, I just wasn’t sure how it would go. Now, because I’m superstitious, I don’t know whether to stay where I am or change hotels.”
Yeah, Gez – because that’s how major TV darts matches are won and lost: by choosing the right luxury pillow to kip on.
—-Ends—–
Images: PDC / T Lanning
