Gerwyn Price vs Gary Anderson result
Gerwyn Price 7-3 Gary Anderson
(best of 13 sets)
Set scores: 3-2, 1-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0, 2-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-2.
Gerwyn Price beat Gary Anderson 7-3 on Sunday evening to become the first Welshman to win the PDC World Championship.
The 35-year-old also becomes the new world number one after holding his nerve in a thrilling contest against two-time champion Anderson at Alexandra Palace.
Price stormed into a 5-1 lead in their best-of-13 final and, although he faltered with the title in sight, Anderson failed to capitalise.
And after missing 11 match darts, Price took his 12th opportunity by hitting double five to clinch victory.
Price, who hit 13 180s compared to Anderson’s 10, appeared to be cruising to his first world crown, but he staggered over the finish line after missing 11 match darts in total.
In the penultimate set, Price failed to hit double 10 and double five to secure the triumph and appeared to have missed his chance as Anderson took the first two legs in the final set.
But Price still scored more heavily than his opponent and, when needing double five for victory in the deciding leg, he stepped away from the oche before finally hitting the winning target.
After lifting the trophy, Price said: “I’ve never felt pressure like that in my life. Numerous times I thought I was going to lose it.
“When you get that chance to win, and three darts in your hand, you think you are going to take it – but I had never been in that situation to win the world championship before and it was so tough.”
Former champions were quick to acknowledge Price’s achievement, with 14-time winner Phil Taylor posting on Twitter: “Congratulations to Gezzyprice welcome to the Club pal you played brilliant” and three-time champion Michael Van Gerwen tweeting “Congratulations ezzyprice” alongside a clapping hands emoji.
