Michael Smith has completed the semi-final line-up at the 2022 UK Open with Gerwyn Price out in a 10-7 win for 'Bully Boy' who again will likely get his best chance of major glory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Smith produced a brilliant comeback to hit the front and defeat 'The Iceman' who has ended his reign as World Number One after 14 months with Peter Wright taking over as of Monday.
It was a quality start from both with Price taking the opening leg before Smith follow a second 180 with a 140 checkout for 1-1.
But it was Price who led 3-2 at the interval with an 84 checkout on the bullseye and a 72 checkout.
'The Iceman' broke with an 80 checkout to go 4-3 up from there and extended his lead to 6-3 but a pivotal 126 checkout from Smith saw him reduce the deficit to 6-4.
Suddenly the impetus went the way of 'Bully Boy' with three consecutive legs to make it 6-6 before hitting a 121 checkout to go in front at 7-6.
Four missed darts at double saw Smith pounce to break and go 8-6 up which he consolidated after yet more misses to go one away.
Price stopped the rot from there but it was a mere hold and Smith took out 70 for the match.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗘! 🏴
Gerwyn Price is OUT! ❌
Michael Smith produces a truly sensational performance to secure a spot in the semi-finals, defeating Gerwyn Price 10-7 in a dramatic encounter!
Sheer darting drama! 🤯
#CazooUKOpen | Quarter-Finals