08/03/2020

Van Gerwen produces brilliant comeback to see off Price to claim UK Open title for third time

Michael van Gerwen produced a brilliant comeback to see off Gerwyn Price in what was an outstanding UK Open final between the pair.

Price was 5-1 up but from there he missed multiple darts in most legs for the rest of the match as he spurned multiple opportunities to consolidate his lead. Van Gerwen as only he can pounced on this to claim his third crown in the event and his first title of the year. The World Number One is back in business.

Van Gerwen did not start well as often has been the case during his run to the final so far and this showed in the opening stages with Price going 4-1 up at the first break in an excellent start which saw him take a double break.

MVG missed a dart at double 16 to begin the second part of the match and Price extended his lead from there to 5-1.

Van Gerwen wasn't done though at this point and he held and broke throw to go to only 3-5 behind. He wired the bull for a 124 and Price who had multiple opportunities before hand to win the leg; Price finally hit it to go 6-3 up.

He had the chance for 7-3 and a potentially insurmountable lead; but he missed a dart at double 16 and Van Gerwen pinned double 11 to close the gap to only two with him having the throw in the next leg when they returned.

He returned on a mission and smashed in a 180 on his way to a 12-dart leg to close the gap to only 1. A hold of throw on double 18 saw Price restore his two leg cushion though.

Could he pressure Van Gerwen's throw and extend this? He had a 60 checkout to do so begging; but missed it and Van Gerwen couldn't punish. Neither could Price and he let a massive opportunity slip handing Van Gerwen another go which he took.

It was back to one and it was now Van Gerwen's to pressure. The latter started to motor with another maximum. Price missed tops tops again for a 105; but again missed darts were an issue for Van Gerwen as he missed a shot at 66; but again more darts went begging and an exquisite 18 checkout using double two allowed him a break.

It was 7-7 and from 5-1 down, Van Gerwen was the man to beat again. Ten missed darts to win the last three legs went begging; Van Gerwen went into the lead for the first time since the start of the match.

Price missed more darts at 52 allowing Van Gerwen the chance at 136 and of course he pinned it to go two away. From there, he went one away with a 96 checkout.

He finally hit a double again to hold throw; he gave an ironic celebration to the crowd. Could he produce the remarkable after having the same done to him?

Van Gerwen missed 94 for the title and Price asked the question; but he couldn't force a decider as he strayed into the one allowed the former a shot at 66 which he took first time of asking.

Click here for more information on the event which is known as the FA Cup of Darts.