Gerwyn Price denies Daryl Gurney in fiery World Matchplay clash as Van Gerwen battles past Van Barneveld

Gerwyn Price came through a fiery clash with rival Daryl Gurney to book his place in the second round of the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool on Monday.

The pair were involved in a tense altercation on stage after Price completed a 10-7 victory to cap off a high quality contest at the Winter Gardens.

Gurney had fought back from 6-2 down to threaten a famous fightback, but Price held firm to prevail with a 100.2 average, six 180s and ten from 15 on the doubles.

Price defied a magnificent 150 checkout from Gurney with back-to-back legs of 11 and 14 darts to wrap up a 10-7 success.

The pair’s previous big stage meeting saw Gurney claim the bragging rights, as Northern Ireland defeated Wales in an epic World Cup of Darts final in Frankfurt last month.

They had previously become embroiled in an on-stage feud during the 2019 Premier League, and old wounds resurface as Gurney appeared to mimic Price’s celebrations early in the game, before the Welshman unleashed a huge reaction after landing the winning double and made his feelings clear to his opponent.

“I felt like I really struggled up there, but I still played pretty well,” said Price.

“Getting through the first round is always tough for me, but when I do then I’m dangerous.

“There’s a lot more in the tank which is good, and I feel like I’ve got so much more to give in this tournament.

“I’ve learned to keep my emotions intact, my head was going to blow off but I had to keep it in.”

Meanwhile, Josh Rock produced a blistering display to launch his quest for Betfred World Matchplay with a 10-5 success over Ross Smith.

Rock had suffered successive first round exits in his previous two visits to the Winter Gardens, but made it third time lucky by storming past the former European Champion with a 104.3 average and a high checkout of 167.

The Northern Irishman punished a nightmare start from Smith to win the opening five legs without reply, and although Smith grew into the contest, Rock always remained in control.

“I actually didn’t realise I was playing that well,” said Rock, who will now play three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in round two.

“I’m just really happy to win my first game at the World Matchplay. It’s third time lucky for me!

“Ross didn’t play his A-game, but I’m just delighted with the win and I cannot wait to play Michael now. I will be well up for that game.”

Michael van Gerwen was another big name to advance on Day Three as he saw off a struggling Raymond van Barneveld 10-6 in a battle of the Dutch darting legends.

Van Barneveld, runner-up in 2010, exploited some early errors from Van Gerwen to hit the front at 4-3, before the world number three found his range in the closing stages to progress despite a modest average of 91.

“This was a really tough game for me tonight. I made it so difficult for myself,” admitted Van Gerwen.

“It is lovely to share the stage with Raymond, but it’s not lovely when you don’t play to the standard you’re capable of.

“We all know this is a tournament I love to play. I have won this title three times before, so when you don’t play your A-game, it’s really frustrating.

“I am a winner. I don’t like losing, but hopefully this will be the start of something really nice.”

Chris Dobey defied a sluggish start to advance to the Last 16 for a fourth straight year courtesy of a 10-5 win over German number two Ricardo Pietreczko.

The number six seed reeled off seven of the last eight legs to comfortably progress with six maximums to his name and a high checkout of 122.

“I made it hard for myself from the start,” admitted Dobey, who sealed victory with a 108 finish – his second ton-plus checkout of the match.

“Ricardo is a great player. He’s here for a reason, so I knew I had to stay focused, and I’m happy to get the win.

“You can’t play at your best all the time, and I’ll try not to put too much pressure on myself on Wednesday.”

Betfred World Matchplay 2025 Day Three Results

Monday July 21

First Round

Chris Dobey 10-5 Ricardo Pietreczko
Gerwyn Price 10-7 Daryl Gurney
Michael van Gerwen 10-6 Raymond van Barneveld
Ross Smith 5-10 Josh Rock