Price blows Anderson away to bag world crown

GERWYN PRICE produced one of Alexandra Palace’s all-time performances to defeat his old rival Gary Anderson and hush those critics who say he is too cocky on the oche. Price became the first Welshman to win the PDC World Darts Championship last night, banking the £500,000 prize money with the added bonus of replacing Michael van Gerwen as world No 1. A masterclass in finishing gave the muscular former rugby union player a foothold in this match as his first 13 attempts at double 20 flew in. Eventually, after missing nine darts to win 6-2, he defeated Scottish rival Anderson 7-3 to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy at Ally Pally. Price (right) has his critics in the sport, many of whom feel he comes across as overly arrogant on stage. But in becoming a world champion — something the 35-year-old has long felt was his destiny — Price was well within in his rights to celebrate passionately last night. He has now won the sport’s mostcoveted tournament, finally securing his achievement on double five. The first-time finalist made a two-time world champion, in Anderson, look like a bystander at times, two years on from their ill-tempered meeting in the 2018 Grand Slam of Darts final. Price won that night in Wolverhampton but was fined £21,500 — later reduced on appeal — for his on-stage antics which included slow play and over-exuberant celebrations. Price roared after taking the first set and for good reason, having come back from two legs down and surviving four Anderson darts on the doubles to win 3-2. Anderson overcame that disappointment by taking the second set but Price put his foot on the pedal. The Welshman has arguably benefitted most from the Ally Pally’s lack of punters, given he is used to being booed. With no distractions, and perfection when aiming at double 20, he stormed into a 5-1 lead before Anderson pulled it back to 5-2. At 6-2, Price had nine darts to crown himself world champion, only for Anderson to make it 6-3. But Price sealed it on his 12th match dart.