Reigning World Matchplay champion, Dimitri van den Bergh is into the semi-finals at the Winter Gardens as he takes one step closer to defending his title after dumping out World Number One, Gerwyn Price 16-9.
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A terrific display from the Belgian ace who produced a 102.2 average and ten 180's and will now face off against Krzysztof Ratajski for a spot in a second successive final.
The first four legs in the tie were shared before Price missed darts at double to let Van den Bergh in for a 96 checkout and a 3-2 lead.
Price made it to ten darts at doubles missed and Van den Bergh made it 4-2 and again it was advantage to the Belgian after 'The Iceman' missed double 20 for a 160 checkout as he made it 5-2.
At the interval though, the World Champion found a way making it 6-4 and going to only two legs behind but Van den Bergh on return continued to build with an 11-darter and a hold of throw to make it 8-4.
Van den Bergh though was in for a revival from Price with three consecutive legs from the World Number One to make it 8-7 and as they went off stage, Price showed some familiar dance moves akin to Van den Bergh.
But it was the reigning World Matchplay champion who had the last laugh as he regained his two leg cushion and took out 90 on the bull for a 12-8 advantage to go towards the brink.
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A break of throw saw him even further to the hill at 13-8 up and it was five consecutive legs as he went two away.
Price made a mess of finishing again to make it 25 missed darts at doubles and Van den Bergh pounced to go one away at 15-8.
'The Iceman' looked to the heavens as he opened up with a 180 against Van den Bergh and he sealed a reprieve as the Belgian wired three match darts which allowed Price back for a 15-9 deficit.
Price missed double 20 for a 110 checkout and Van den Bergh looked at 68 which he pinned on double four for victory.
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𝗗𝗜𝗠𝗜 𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗦
Reigning World Matchplay Champion Dimitri Van den Bergh defeats World Champion Gerwyn Price 16-9 to secure his spot in the Last 4!
Incredible victory for the Belgian! 🔥