Price claims World Grand Prix glory with victory over Van Duijvenbode in thrilling final

Monday, 12 October 2020 at 22:37

Gerwyn Price has added another major TV title to his resume in the form of the World Grand Prix after a thrilling 5-2 sets victory at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Price saw off a valiant effort from Dirk van Duijvenbode who was in his maiden major final and acquitted himself well especially towards the end when he was on the brink.

But it is 'The Iceman' who won through in the end and will now head into World Number Two in the Order of Merit after an exceptional year including in the last four weeks where he has picked up four titles and established himself as the player to beat.

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Price took the opening leg in the final and led from the front on double five to make it 2-0 but only after Van Duijvenbode missed double 16 for a 140 checkout to hold.

He didn’t give the Dutchman a chance to break back and it was three without reply as he pinned double 10 last dart in hand. Van Duijvenbode finally got off the mark to begin set two with a 70 finish but it was squared up with a 76 checkout.

The former failed to get off in the requisite leg and Price kicked off 160 and started to look ominous. He followed that up with a 77 checkout to go 2-1 ahead. A second maximum from the Dutchman and a 70 finish prolonged the set to a decider. He hit another 180 but Price took out 87 on the bull to nick it 3-2 and double his lead.

Van Duijvenbode returned and broke the Price throw before doubling his advantage as he looked to gain a set back. Two missed set darts though saw Price pounce and halve the deficit.

But he pinned double 18 to claim the third set 3-1 and keep it very much at game on. Back-to-back 180’s and a 57 checkout attempted to wrestle back momentum and a break of throw for Price. He held throw to go 2-0 up as he aimed to open up a two set lead once more and it was a set without reply for Price to make it 3-1.

He continued to dominate with a fifth 180 and an 88 checkout to start the fifth set and a break saw him 2-0 up. It took DVD 11 darts to get going on Price’s throw but despite that, it was the latter’s task to fluff his lines and the Dutchman thumped in a 135 checkout to break back.

He got away first time on his throw and the decider was a real possibility. It was a reality as he smashed in a 180 followed by a 120 with two bullseyes to leave 32 which he hit on double eight.

Price aimed to take away the momentum with a 160 start and after DVD missed a set dart, Price punished and hit nine on one, double four to make it 4-1 in sets. A potentially pivotal moment to begin the next set saw Price kick off with a 160, followed by a 170 and double 12 for an 11-darter. He broke throw from there to move within one.

Van Duijvenbode kept himself alive on double 16 with a break back. A 174 set up saw Van Duijvenbode on his way to holding throw and taking down the deficit further.

It was a catalyst as he began the next set with a break hitting a 74 checkout to go 2-0 up but Pice fought back and smashed in a 102 checkout to conclude proceedings.

World Grand Prix 2020 final

Monday October 12

Gerwyn Price (88.1) 5-2 (87.07) Dirk van Duijvenbode (3-0, 3-2, 1-3, 3-0, 3-2, 2-3, 3-2)

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❄️🏆 PRICE IS THE CHAMPION 🏆❄️ GERWYN PRICE WINS THE 2020 BOYLESPORTS WORLD GRAND PRIX! Gerwyn Price defeats Dirk van Duijvenbode 5-2 in the final and completes an incredible four weeks, in which, he has picked up four titles! 🔥