Price wins in Sheffield and boost his hopes of a top 4 finish

In the final of Cazoo Premier League Night 15 in Sheffield, Gerwyn Price defeated Michael van Gerwen 6-5 to gain position in the Play-Off race.

Price rediscovered his form at the Utilita Arena, posting back-to-back 100 averages to go to the final for the first time since Night Three in Belfast, when he won with two nine-dart finishes.

In Sheffield, the Welshman took home the £10,000 winner’s prize and a critical five league points, moving him up to fifth place, only two points behind Peter Wright in the final Play-Off spot.

 

“I don’t think I was at my best today but I’m happy to win,” Price reflected. “The last couple of weeks I’ve been under the cosh and not playing well.

“I was under a lot of pressure tonight; I knew I needed to win two of the last three nights to make the Play-Offs.

“I know I’m in with a shout and if I win next week I’m back in the Play-Off places – as long as I get there I will be happy.

“I enjoyed the final but in the first two games I was under pressure,” Price added. “Once I beat Gary and Joe, things probably came a little bit easier for me.

“I knew I needed to win the first game against Gary, and against Joe I knew he would be cold having had a bye in the first round, and I just needed to get into him a little bit.

“To produce 100+ averages in my first two games when the pressure was on and find some of my best darts was good, but there’s a lot more in the tank.

“I got the five points, £10,000 and the main thing is I’m still in with a chance of winning this tournament.”

Price wins in Sheffield and boost his hopes of a top 4 finish
Price wins in Sheffield and boost his hopes of a top 4 finish (Simon O’Connor/PDC)

With victories over Wright and Michael Smith, Van Gerwen earned three league points for a third runner-up finish in four weeks, joining Jonny Clayton in sealing Play-Off status with two league phase nights to go.

Cullen and Smith, the losing semi-finalists, each have two points for Yorkshire, with the latter surviving seven missed match darts against league leader Jonny Clayton in a decider.

On Thursday, May 19, the Cazoo Premier League roadshow arrives to The O2 in London for Night 15 of the league phase, as Price attempts to keep his Play-Off hopes alive against fellow countryman Clayton.

2022 Cazoo Premier League

Night 14 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield

Thursday May 12

Quarter-Finals

Joe Cullen Bye James Wade

Gerwyn Price 6-4 Gary Anderson

Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Peter Wright

Michael Smith 6-5 Jonny Clayton

Semi-Finals

Gerwyn Price 6-3 Joe Cullen

Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Michael Smith

Final

Gerwyn Price 6-5 Michael van Gerwen