Price denies Dolan in sudden death thriller to move into World Championship Last 16

Gerwyn Price is through to the Last 16 of the 2020/21 PDC World Darts Championship after denying Brendan Dolan in a sudden death thriller.

A high quality encounter between 'The Iceman' and 'History Maker' finished 4-3 and he will now take on Mervyn King in the next round after a tie which saw nine 180's, a 99 average and 48% on the checkouts from the World Number Three.

Price produced a big moment early in the match with Dolan wiring two darts at double 11 for the set in the deciding leg. This allowed Price back for double 12 to claim it and take the opening set.

But Dolan hit back going 1-1 in sets after claiming a clean sweep over the World Number Three with both players averaging over 100 and playing at a good level to start the tie.

Price began the third set with a superb exhibition 99 shot with two double 20’s. He left 40 from 89 in case Dolan missed 118 and he did on double 19 allowing Price to lead 2-0 with a break of throw.

A 74 checkout moved him into the lead 2-1 in sets as he let out a roar and his momentum continued with a 180 to begin the fourth set but Dolan missed 170 to hold throw, Price missed a 124 checkout himself on the bull and as a result, Dolan took the lead.

It was ‘The History Maker’ who got in on the act with a 180 to take the game to ‘The Iceman’ on his throw and he missed a break opportunity on double 13 and was made to pay with a 138 checkout.

He slipped on an 84 checkout to break and was made to pay again as Dolan pinned double nine and went 2-1 up. Price couldn’t trouble on Dolan’s throw and ‘The History Maker’ had two opportunities to pin double eight to make it 2-2.

A clean sweep including a brilliant 170 and 74 checkout saw Price well on his way to the finishing line as ‘The Iceman’ gave his trademark roar after a brilliant foray.

Dolan held throw to begin the requisite set with a 65 checkout but Price missed an opportunity to break and the former went 2-1 up with a brilliant 88 checkout on the bull.

Dolan asked the question of Price in the following leg with a 180 to leave 43 but Price answered with a 74 checkout to force a deciding leg.

Dolan was on 104 but Price aimed to end it then with a 145 missed on double 20. ‘The History Maker’ replied with a 104 checkout to make it 3-3 in sets.

Dolan’s trebles deserted him at potentially the wrong time but Price couldn’t punish leaving just 170 but Dolan was there to hit a 63 checkout to make it 1-1.

The tension was palphable but with Dolan not on a finish, Price left 86 which he pinned to go within a leg of the match.

A 180 and a 120 checkout saw Dolan send it all the way. Both were locked on 72 and Price pinned it on double 20 with Dolan ready to pounce.

Gary Anderson (92.45) 4-3 (89.71) Mensur Suljovic (3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 0-3, 0-3, 3-0, 3-0)

Gerwyn Price (99.94) 4-3 (97.3) Brendan Dolan (3-2, 0-3, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0, 2-3, 3-2)

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