Gerwyn Price’s journey in the World Darts Championship has come to an unexpected halt as Wesley Plaisier triumphed over the Welsh player in the second round at Alexandra Palace. Plaisier, known for his imposing presence, delivered a stellar performance that outshone Price throughout the match.
Prior to this match, Plaisier had never advanced beyond the second round at Alexandra Palace, but he displayed remarkable composure against his formidable opponent, converting nine out of 16 attempts at a double. In contrast, Price struggled to find his rhythm, managing to secure only four legs in the entire contest.
Plaisier maintained relentless pressure on Price, preventing the 2021 World Champion from winning even a single set. This surprising defeat for Price has created a significant opportunity for Luke Littler, who was slated to face Price in the quarter-final.
With Price’s unexpected exit, a new path is emerging for the 18-year-old Littler in the tournament. Notably, several seeded players, including Joe Cullen (No. 32), Chris Dobey (No. 8), and Ryan Joyce (No. 24), have also been eliminated in the second round, with Price joining the list as the latest high-profile departure.
The anticipated victory for Price was overturned by Plaisier’s remarkable performance, highlighted by a stunning 130 checkout that set the tone for the match. Despite Price’s valiant efforts in the final set, where he displayed his best form, Plaisier’s consistent scoring and accuracy ultimately secured his victory.
In a surprising turn of events, the crowd at Ally Pally began cheering for Price, a rare occurrence in the London venue. Price acknowledged the support with a thumbs up, briefly shifting the momentum in his favor. However, Plaisier’s resilience prevailed as he capitalized on Price’s missed opportunities to clinch the match.
Looking ahead, Littler faces a challenging encounter against Welsh star David Davies in the next round. Despite the tough competition, Littler, as the World No. 1, is heavily favored to advance.
Should Littler emerge victorious in the upcoming round, a showdown against Mensur Suljovic awaits him in round three. The PDC World Darts Championship commenced on December 11, with exclusive live coverage available to fans through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.