Gurney "Wouldn't Roll Over" in Matchplay Classic
Daryl Gurney admitted he “wouldn’t roll over” after an epic BetVictor World Matchplay tie-break win over Steve West.
Superchin somehow survived 11 match darts to finally edge out West 12-10 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The World No5 held his nerve in the closing stages to set up a round two clash with Joe Cullen, and the World Grand Prix champion was visibly relieved to get over the line.
Derry ace Gurney sunk to his knees when he threw the winning dart and admitted: “I was very lucky to get the win, Steve was the better player in the latter stages," said Gurney, who is playing at the Winter Gardens for a third successive year.
“I just wouldn't roll over, Steve kept missing and I kept punishing him. If I had nine lives I've used them all there!
“I forced in the winning double and if I'd done that earlier I wouldn't have had to go through all that at the end. Hopefully I will make it easier on myself in round two.”
Cullen secured his first win on the Winter Gardens stage with an impressive 10-3 demolition of No 12 seed Gerwyn Price.
The Bradford hot prospect raced into a 5-0 lead, hitting a clinical four doubles from six attempts before firing in a stunning 170 finish, the highest of the tournament so far, to extend his lead to seven legs.
Premier League star Price - who is set to undergo Achilles surgery next week - fought back to reduce the deficit to 9-3 but missed doubles to continue his challenge as Cullen found double eight to wrap up one of the biggest wins of his career.
Cullen said: “It's a relief to win up there for the first time and I'm happy with the win.
“Gerwyn was struggling with his injury but it's my job to capitalise on that and that's what I did. My finishing was good and the 170 topped it off.
“I haven't fulfilled my potential yet but time is on my side and it feels like the time for me to have a good run on TV.”
Two-time semi-finalist and fourth seed Gary Anderson struck five 180s in his 10-7 triumph over Stephen Bunting.
Ando said: “I'm glad to get past the first around against a tricky opponent in Stephen who matched me for long periods of the game.
“I was happy with my scoring and once I went ahead at 8-6 I felt comfortable and got the job done from there.
“I'll keep plodding on and see how far I can go - it's well documented that this isn't my favourite tournament but I'll give it a good go.”
Ando now faces Raymond van Barneveld rounded off the night with a 10-6 victory over Kyle Anderson as he returned from a six-week break in winning fashion.
Barney said: ”I was relieved to win in the end because I started thinking it wasn't going to happen today.
“I didn't feel comfortable for some parts of the game, I know Kyle can play a lot better than he did. I can produce better than this but I'm happy to be in the next round.
“Against Gary I will have to be a lot better. To win games on this stage you have to play your A game but I will be fully focused in that game.”
World Champion Rob Cross swept by Mervyn King to win an entertaining clash 10-5 as he began his second World Matchplay challenge in style.
Cross rounded off the game in comfortable fashion to reach round two for a second successive year, where he will now take on Darren Webster.
Voltage said: “I felt really, really good up there and I grew in confidence as the game went on.
“The 153 settled me down and after the first break I felt much more comfortable and I was able to play my near my best game.
“It's always a tough game against Darren, he snaps at your heels all the way so I will make sure I am up for that one.”
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)
Cullen secured his first win on the Winter Gardens stage with an impressive 10-3 demolition of No 12 seed Gerwyn Price.
The Bradford hot prospect raced into a 5-0 lead, hitting a clinical four doubles from six attempts before firing in a stunning 170 finish, the highest of the tournament so far, to extend his lead to seven legs.
Premier League star Price - who is set to undergo Achilles surgery next week - fought back to reduce the deficit to 9-3 but missed doubles to continue his challenge as Cullen found double eight to wrap up one of the biggest wins of his career.
Cullen said: “It's a relief to win up there for the first time and I'm happy with the win.
“Gerwyn was struggling with his injury but it's my job to capitalise on that and that's what I did. My finishing was good and the 170 topped it off.
“I haven't fulfilled my potential yet but time is on my side and it feels like the time for me to have a good run on TV.”
Two-time semi-finalist and fourth seed Gary Anderson struck five 180s in his 10-7 triumph over Stephen Bunting.
Ando said: “I'm glad to get past the first around against a tricky opponent in Stephen who matched me for long periods of the game.
“I was happy with my scoring and once I went ahead at 8-6 I felt comfortable and got the job done from there.
“I'll keep plodding on and see how far I can go - it's well documented that this isn't my favourite tournament but I'll give it a good go.”
Ando now faces Raymond van Barneveld rounded off the night with a 10-6 victory over Kyle Anderson as he returned from a six-week break in winning fashion.
Barney said: ”I was relieved to win in the end because I started thinking it wasn't going to happen today.
“I didn't feel comfortable for some parts of the game, I know Kyle can play a lot better than he did. I can produce better than this but I'm happy to be in the next round.
“Against Gary I will have to be a lot better. To win games on this stage you have to play your A game but I will be fully focused in that game.”
World Champion Rob Cross swept by Mervyn King to win an entertaining clash 10-5 as he began his second World Matchplay challenge in style.
Cross rounded off the game in comfortable fashion to reach round two for a second successive year, where he will now take on Darren Webster.
Voltage said: “I felt really, really good up there and I grew in confidence as the game went on.
“The 153 settled me down and after the first break I felt much more comfortable and I was able to play my near my best game.
“It's always a tough game against Darren, he snaps at your heels all the way so I will make sure I am up for that one.”
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)