Gerwyn Price records highest Premier League average in six years as he wins night eight in Newcastle
Gerwyn Price defeated Michael van Gerwen 6-1 with their highest Premier League average in six years to win the eighth night of the season at Newcastle.
The Iceman, who wore a shirt in Newcastle United colors to win over the Tyneside crowd, recorded an amazing 114.96 in the final compared to MVG’s 98.48, throwing five of the six 180s and pinning six of his nine Double tries to take all five points and a check for £10,000.
Price also missed a dart at the top for a 6-0 win as the Dutchman avoided a second euphemism in as many weeks, but it would only delay the inevitable as his arch-rival cut their lead to seven points at the top of the table.
The Welshman, who has now won two nights in a row to take his total tally to three, started the night by beating compatriot Jonny Clayton 6-1 on a 94.55 average compared to the low 80.89 of the ferret, while he then ended Chris Dobey’s hopes for a dream evening in front of his home crowd with a narrow 6:4 win.
Price was only able to average an 86.98 in that competition, but about 10 minutes later he returned to the stage to deliver his absolute A-game to dismantle MVG.
“I’ve played really well the past few weeks,” said Price, who is now eight points clear of fifth-place Dobey.
“It’s nice when you can play like that, especially against Michael, because you need performances like that to win. I’m grateful it happened in the final. I made a mistake once and Michael won the leg. I only wish I had won 6-0!
“I’m in a good position but every night is worth five points so it’s not over with this format. Every time you win, enjoy it. You get momentum, you get confidence and hopefully it goes further, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Van Gerwen failed to extend his lead at the top of the table, but victories over Peter Wright and Nathan Aspinall secured him a place in his fifth night final.
The 33-year-old converted a spectacular 150 checkout to edge out Wright in Thursday’s opening quarterfinals before hitting an above-average average in a whitewash win over Aspinall.
Dobey had previously treated the home crowd to a treat with a goosebumps walk-on against Michael Smith before defeating the world champion 6-4 and earning another valuable two points in his debut season.
Meanwhile, Aspinall finished his darting hoodoo against Dimitri Van den Bergh with 101 averages and seven 180s to prevail in a dramatic final leg decider.
Van den Bergh missed a match dart on the Bulls in the closing stages and Aspinall capitalized on that to cement his position in the top four and record his first win over the Belgian in 11 meetings.
Premier League Darts 2023: Night Eight Results
Thursday, March 23rd
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
QUARTER FINALS
- Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Peter Wright
- Nathan Aspinall 6-5 Dimitri Van den Bergh
- Gerwyn Price 6-1 Jonny Clayton
- Michael Smith 4-6 Chris Dobey
SEMIFINALS
- Michael van Gerwen 6-0 Nathan Aspinall
- Gerwyn Price 6-4 Chris Dobey
FINAL
- Michael van Gerwen 1-6 Gerwyn Prize