The
European Tour has returned and it is business as usual for
Gerwyn Price who like the first event of last season's set of tournaments has produced a demolition win over
Michael Smith 8-2.
This time at the
Hungarian Darts Trophy as he becomes the inaugural champion after hitting a 108.7 average in the process in an irresistable display from 'The Iceman'.
The World Number One now joins an elite group of players with 4+ titles on the European Tour and despite not playing at his best throughout the weekend has produced when it counts in Budapest.
It was a 12 dart opener for Price who held his throw on double 10 to begin the tie.
A timely 180 got Smith down to 42 but Price smashed in a superb 130 checkout on the bull to break with a roar befitting of the sign of intent.
Smith missed 170 for a break back but returned after Price hit two treble 18's going for 112 by accident which saw him miss a dart at double two as a result and the former broke back to make it 2-1.
Both exchanged 180's and Smith had to hit 101 to avoid being broken again and he couldn't produce. Price again though had double trouble and Smith pinned double 10 consolidate his break.
Price stopped the rot of sorts on the doubles and held to re establish his lead at 3-2 up. His average went up toward 114 as he took the game to Smith's throw again.
He handed Smith a 144 checkout and Price as a result returned for 84 on double 12 to break again to make it 4-2 as he aimed to go three away at 5-2 which he did.
Smith was sinking and 75 on double 12 saw Price go 6-2 up with another 14 dart break. It was one away as Price got it right second time around on double five.
A 168 saw Price first to a finish on Smith's throw to win but he couldn't seal it with a 134. Albeit he returned only to miss three match darts.
Smith couldn't spare his blushes and Price hit double 10 first time around to claim it 8-2.