Iceman Into World Grand Prix Quarters
Former Grand Prix winner Gerwyn Price was amongst those to secure places in the Quarter Finals on Night 3, beating recent German Darts Open Champion Krzysztof Ratajski 3-0 in sets. The Iceman remains on course for a second win in the competition, going through to face Martin Schindler next.
The Welshman showed unbelievable character in high pressure situations, having claimed last leg deciders in all three sets at the Morningside Arena, including 2 ton plus finishes in the opening set.
“I’m defending a final spot from two years ago, so hopefully I can go one step better. I’ve already won this title before, so I know what it takes, but I need to play a lot better than that.â€_x009d_
Price hit 5 180s throughout the match, winning the first leg with a Shanghai finish on his favourite and trusted double tops. Gerwyn also showed his ability on the outer ring in finishing the leg, including a 45% checkout rate in Leicester.
Ratajski played his part pinning the bull for the Last 16 encounter’s highest checkout, with a 130 finish in the second leg of the third set.
The Iceman pinned double tops to secure his return to the Morningside Arena, securing a 3-0 victory in sets over the Polish Eagle.
“I started off really strongly in the first set, I found the pace of the game really difficult, but I’m just happy to get through and I’m into the quarterfinals, so I will put that one behind me.â€_x009d_
The Red Dragon star will face Martin Schindler in the Quarter Finals, with the Wall including back-to-back 160 finishes in his opening matches of the competition. The German international defeated former BDO World Champion Stephen Bunting in a last set decider, reaching his maiden Last 8 match in the double start event.
Elsewhere, World Champion Michael Smith and UK Open Champion Andrew Gilding advanced on Night 3 to set up a Quarter Final on Friday, with Goldfinger coming from 2-1 down to stun recent Players Championship 24 winner Gary Anderson.
World Number 1 Smith included consecutive 105 finishes to beat Brendan Dolan in the night’s final match, with Bully Boy advancing to his maiden Grand Prix Quarter Final.
World Number 6 Luke Humphries opens the action on Night 4 as the remaining Last 16 matches commence, with Cool Hand Luke taking on Luke Woodhouse. Peter Wright will continue his pursuit of a first Grand Prix title, facing Ryan Searle in the second match on Thursday at the Morningside Arena.
Defending World Grand Prix Champion Michael van Gerwen returns to face Masters winner Chris Dobey, with Joe Cullen wrapping up the action in Leicester against Ross Smith.
By Harry Masterson
2023 Boylesports World Grand Prix: Day 3 Results
Last 16:
Andrew Gilding 3-2 Gary Anderson
Martin Schindler 3-2 Stephen Bunting
Gerwyn Price (4) 3-0 Krzysztof Ratajski
Michael Smith (1) 3-0 Brendan Dolan
Day 4 Order of Play:
Luke Humphries (6) v Luke Woodhouse
Peter Wright (3) v Ryan Searle
Michael van Gerwen (2) v Chris Dobey
Ross Smith v Joe Cullen
image courtesy of PDC