World Grand Prix: Gerwyn Price powers past Michael Smith to set up final against Luke Humphries | Darts News

Gerwyn Price overpowers World Champion and No 1 Michael Smith to seal a showdown against Luke Humphries; Watch the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts final at the Morningside Arena in Leicester – live on Sky Sports Arena from 8pm

Gerwyn Price proved too good for world No 1 Michael Smith as he set up a World Grand Prix showdown against Luke Humphries at Leicester’s Morningside Arena.

Price, the 2020 World Grand Prix champion, reached his third final in four years after pulling away from ‘Bully Boy’ from 2-2 to eventually seal a 4-2 success, while Humphries crushed Cullen’s hopes with a whitewash victory.

Price – the only former champion remaining in the field – made an ominous start to the contest, firing in back-to-back 180s on his way to a 12-dart break, and he eventually struck the first blow in an error-strewn conclusion to set one.

The opening stanza saw all five legs won against throw, with Smith squandering three darts to draw first blood, after Price had spurned opportunities of his own earlier on in the piece.

The roles were reversed in set two as Price was punished for missing a dart at double 12 for 2-0, and Smith capitalised on this reprieve to seize control of the semi-final.

The St Helens star wrapped up set three with a monstrous 110 average, conjuring up a 10-dart leg during this blistering spell to pile the pressure on Price.

‘The Iceman’ responded with an equally dominant fourth set to level at two apiece, converting a 109 checkout to stop the rot, before punishing Smith’s woes on the starting doubles.

Price suddenly began to find his range on the outer ring and this coincided with Smith’s slump in form, and it all unravelled for the World Champion in the closing stages, as Price powered to victory.

“Michael Smith is the World Champion and world number one, so I knew it was going to be difficult,” reflected Price.

“I felt I probably should have been 2-0 up, and then I found myself 2-1 down. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, but I fought back and put him under pressure from then on.

“It was a difficult game but one that I’m glad I came through. Luke is a great player, he’s had a bit of lady-luck on his side in this tournament, but it will be tough tomorrow.”

Humphries battled back from the brink to stun 2018 runner-up Peter Wright in Friday’s quarter-finals, and he made it seven successive sets without reply to sweep aside Cullen.

The Yorkshireman endured a nightmare on the outer ring in the opening exchanges, missing 19 of his first 21 darts at double, and Humphries duly capitalised to establish a two-set buffer.

Humphries raised his game in set three to tighten his grip on proceedings, before converting an effortless 138 combination midway through the fourth to move a leg away from Sunday’s showpiece.

Cullen threatened to turn the tide with a sublime 150 skin-saver moments later, but Humphries quashed any hopes of a fightback to reach his first televised final since March 2021.

“I’m really happy. The last major final I made was behind-closed-doors, and now I finally get to enjoy that major final in front of a crowd,” said Humphries, a UK Open runner-up two years ago.

“We dedicate everything for these moments, and I’m going to give it my all tomorrow. I will put everything on the line, and it will come down to who can hold their nerve.

“I’ve got a good record against Gezzy this year which does give me confidence, but this is a different ball game. I’m going to enjoy it, because these opportunities don’t come around every day.”

Webster: Price experience will give him the advantage

Mark Webster on Sky Sports: “For Luke Humphries, it was a professional job. He just kept Joe at arms length. He’s got his crack at Gerwyn Price and now he’s got to embrace it.

“Price withstood a lot there but he found a way to win. That’s why he wins major titles.

“Both players will know they will have to improve tomorrow and Gerwyn Price has been on this stage and won this tournament before and that will give him the advantage tomorrow night.

“He’s not been at his best but he’s found a way to win matches. He’s got one more obstacle to overcome in Luke Humphries.”

Watch the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts final at the Morningside Arena in Leicester – live on Sky Sports Arena from 8pm. Stream the World Grand Prix and more with NOW for £21 a month for six months