02/10/2023

Price reels off five consecutive legs to dispatch Noppert as Aspinall dumped out by Bunting at World Grand Prix

2020 champion, Gerwyn Price is through in straight sets at the 2023 World Grand Prix, but it was anything but easy for 'The Iceman' against Danny Noppert.

Noppert looked to be in the ascendancy, but Price reeled off five consecutive legs to dispatch Noppert with 6/8 on finishing doubles.

Tournament centre World Grand Prix 2023: Schedule, results, TV Guide and prize money breakdown

Noppert struck first with a 61 checkout to break. A 112 checkout saw Price level up and break back straight away. Noppert though broke again and was throwing for the opening set.

Noppert hit a 180 and had the chance for the set, but Price hit back with a 101 checkout to make it 2-2 and Price was now throwing for the set.

Noppert went multiple visits without getting in. Price set up the 170 instead of hitting it and despite pressure from the Dutchman, it was a roar and double 20 from ‘The Iceman’.

Price missed 101 for a break but returned on double 16 for 1-0. He doubled up with a 98 checkout at 2-0. Noppert missed darts to stay in it and Price sealed it.

Prize money breakdown World Grand Prix 2023 with £600,000 on offer

But Nathan Aspinall on the other hand lost out with the World Matchplay champion being dumped out in a deciding set as former semi-finalist and recently in form, Stephen Bunting punished 'The Asp'.

Bunting left Aspinall with a lot of work to do in the opening set. He wrapped up the opening set 3-1 on double 10 after Aspinall had missed darts to take it to a decider.

On return, Aspinall’s doubling woes continued in set two but Bunting couldn’t take advantage allowing ‘The Asp’ to take a 1-0 lead. The second set went all the way but Aspinall took out 140 to send it all the way at 1-1.

Aspinall finally took the lead with a break in the deciding set. He missed 164 on the bull but Bunting returned with a 72 checkout to make it 1-1. Bunting hit a 180 but missed 63 to go one away. Aspinall took aim at 107 but missed double 14.

Bunting then returned for 2-1. Aspinall missed 83 to send it to a decider, but Bunting wasn’t on a finish and Aspinall sent it all the way. But a maximum from Bunting to leave 42 saw him claim the win.