Gerywn Price produces two nine-darters en route to victory on night three of the Premier League
- Paul Okey
- 18 February 2022
James Wade returns to form to make the final but it is the world No.1 who lights up an enthralling night of darts in Belfast.
Price produced a flawless leg in his absorbing 6-5 semi-final success over five-time champion Michael Van Gerwen before repeating the feat in defeating James Wade 6-4 in a tense final.
Wade threatened to steal the spoils but was left to rue a couple of costly mistakes as Price moved up to second in the table, a point behind defending champion Jonny Clayton.
"Tonight I felt like I couldn't miss," said Price, who averaged 107.58 across the evening.
"Michael played really well against me; that's the best game me and James have ever had, so I'm just thankful I'm on the right end of these games.
"I'm playing well, I'm feeling good in myself and I think it's part and parcel to do with me being back in the gym and looking after myself.
"I'm back to almost my best - well, I think I might be there."
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β PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 17, 2022
GERWYN PRICE STRIKES PERFECTION IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
The world number one produces a perfect leg to lead Michael van Gerwen!
UNBELIEVABLE π€©π₯ pic.twitter.com/yrhxZ5QkmL
Earlier on Thursday, the Price announced plans to make his boxing debut later this year.
The Welshman, who played professional rugby union and league before turning his attention to the oche, left little doubt about his prowess in his current sport.
He began a fine evening's work by avenging last month's World Championship quarter-final exit at the hands of Michael Smith with a 6-3 success.
Price had fired his maiden nine-darter of 2022 during the New Year's Day defeat to Smith and, roared on by the support of a passionate Northern Irish crowd, he went on to twice replicate that achievement at the Odyssey Complex. The 36-year-old, who joined Phil Taylor as the the only player to hit two nine-darters on a Premier League night, also completed his win over Smith with a 170 checkout.
π¨π¨ π£π₯πππ πππ§π¦ ππ‘π’π§πππ₯ π‘ππ‘π-πππ₯π§ππ₯! π€―π€―
β PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 17, 2022
GERWYN PRICE HITS TWO NINE-DARTERS IN ONE NIGHT!
Ridiculous scenes here in Belfast as Price pins a second perfect leg in the same night!!!!
Simply sensational π€― pic.twitter.com/1oXkL8D4aL
Runner-up Wade reached the last two by beating night two winner Clayton 6-3 and then seeing off night one winner Peter Wright 6-4 before ultimately falling short.
Wright had overcome fellow Scotsman Gary Anderson 6-4 at the quarter-final stage, while Dutchman Van Gerwen began with a 6-3 success over Joe Cullen.
Night four of the competition takes place on March 3 in Exeter.
