Gerwyn Price versus
Mervyn King is one of three outstanding matches to end the PDC
World Darts Championship fourth round.
Only one of the top ten seeds has made it into the quarter-finals so far - though it's worth noting that it's Michael van Gerwen. Three more of that top ten are in action here at the Alexandra Palace, along with three more who could take another step towards glory.
If Ricky Evans losing 4-0 was harsh, Adam Hunt getting whitewashed was a travesty. The scoreline is a testament to just how well
Dirk van Duijvenbode is playing right now. The Dutchman notched up a first nine dart average of 112.5, and when you're on a finish after three visits in most legs, you'll find lots of chances at a finish emerge. The Aubergenius took plenty of them to end the game in double-quick time.
Glen Durrant ended up being pushed a bit harder by Danny Baggish than it first appeared, but got there in the end. In spite of the minor blip, it was a strong showing that highlighted how Duzza is, as he put it emphatically in a post-match tweet, back. If that's the case, he's the favourite here, but any lapse will be punished by van Duijvenbode.
Gerwyn Price might have been quietly rooting for Joe Cullen, but either way Michael van Gerwen's fate isn't something to worry about just yet. The Welshman has a final to get to, and three men still stand in his way. After two nail-biters against Jamie Lewis and Brendan Dolan, what he wouldn't give to have an easier ride.
Price won't get one against Mervyn King. It was an inspired performance that sent Jose de Sousa packing - it'd have to be, for the Portuguese to go out with an average just short of 104. King is looking sharp, focused and definitely ready to arch an eyebrow or two at the Iceman's antics. This will be worth watching just for the end-of-leg reactions, let alone the darts.
Amid the manic Tuesday night shenanigans,
Dave Chisnall brushing aside Danny Noppert didn't steal many headlines. This time, Chizzy rounds off the session with a quarter-final against Michael van Gerwen just one win away. Recovering from losing the first six legs to win 12 of the next 14, including five breaks of throw, is a sign that the eighth seed won't fold under pressure.
Dimitri van den Bergh reaching a third PDC World Darts Championship in his sixth appearance would be a very good achievement, but the Belgian's at a stage now where making the last 16 or eight isn't enough. So far, Van Den Bergh hasn't dropped a set, and is scoring very nicely indeed. This tie should produce plenty of 180s for the caller to wrap their vocal cords around.
2021 PDC World Darts Championship schedule
Wednesday December 30
Evening Session (18:00 GMT)
18:15 Dirk van Duijvenbode v Glen Durrant
19:30 Gerwyn Price v Mervyn King
20:45 Dave Chisnall v Dimitri van den Bergh