Price survives real scare from O'Connor in tie break thriller

Thursday, 19 December 2019 at 23:27

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Gerwyn Price was on the ropes for most of his opening PDC World Championship tie against William O'Connor and had to send it all the way to a sudden death tiebreak which he claimed.

The pivotal moment potentially was a miscount from O'Connor towards the end which allowed Price to move through in the end but he will be mightily relieved to do so as will many fans who have put money on the Iceman to come through his quarter.

To begin, Price was up to the barrage in the first set from O'Connor as he edged the opening foray 3-2 in a decider with a brilliant last dart at double 10.

O'Connor doubled his advantage to double his lead in the second set; but Price ended up reducing the deficit to 2-1 with a 102 checkout. It was the Irishman though who levelled proceedings up playing brilliantly with a 96.6 average and five 180s so far.

He continued his surge in the match taking out 125; to claim the first leg of the third set and he moved 2-1 ahead in the third set. He concluded the set to put Price in real danger of heading out of the tournament at the very first time of asking.

O'Connor really asked the question of Price in the next set; as he moved to within a leg of victory at 2-2 but Price produced a real skin saver in the deciding leg and as a result he sent it all the way.

O'Connor though was soon on the verge of the finishing line again but a clutch double three from Price saw it go all the way to a sudden death tiebreak.

O'Connor miscounted going for double one and as a result, Price pinned 75 to go one away. This proved fatal as Price hit 36 for the victory.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.

PDC World Darts Championship 2020 schedule

Thursday December 19, evening session (all Round 2)

Chris Dobey (96.33) 3-2 (94.71) Ron Meulenkamp
Danny Noppert (92.85) 3-2 (87.09) Callan Rydz
Dave Chisnall (93.10) 3-1 (91.99) Vincent van der Voort
Gerwyn Price (90.98) 3-2 (93.22) William O’Connor

https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1207804779038150662?s=20