Price takes over lead from Van Gerwen on World Series Order of Merit

Gerwyn Price lost Saturday in the semifinals of the New Zealand Darts Masters, but reaching the last four does make 'The Iceman' the new leader on the World Series Order of Merit with 29 points.

The Welshman passed Michael van Gerwen, who is absent from the World Series tournaments in New Zealand and Australia. Price went down in the semifinals against Rob Cross, who also ran away with the title at the New Zealand Darts Masters.

As a result, Cross reached a points total of 26 points, good for a provisional fourth spot on the World Series Order of Merit. However, 'Voltage' will pass Van Gerwen after the next tournament in Australia. Michael Smith is also currently in the top four. With 28 points, he is in spot two. 

The other players in the top eight rankings are Dimitri van den Bergh (18 points), Peter Wright (17 points), Nathan Aspinall (14 points) and Luke Humphries (14 points). The top eight after the last World Series tournament in Australia are certain to participate in the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam (Sept. 15-17).