A Night to Remember in Dublin
On a thrilling night at the Premier League Darts in Dublin, Gerwyn Price emerged victorious, defeating Nathan Aspinall 6-3 in a hard-fought final. This win marks a significant comeback for the 2021 world champion, who has been striving to reclaim his place at the top of the darts world. Price’s journey through the evening was nothing short of scintillating, as he overcame two formidable opponents—world champion Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries—to reach the final. This victory not only showcased his skill but also signaled a return to form, a sentiment he expressed after his quarter-final win, stating, "I want to be a tough nut to crack for everyone, that is what I used to be."
Price’s Dominant Performance
Price’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. He averaged 100.57 and took out 50% of his checkouts, demonstrating a level of precision and consistency that is characteristic of a world-class player. The Welshman’s journey through the evening was marked by key moments. In the quarter-finals, he faced off against Luke Littler, a player who has been a formidable opponent for many, and emerged victorious with a 6-4 win. This marked his fifth consecutive victory against the world champion, a statistic that speaks volumes about Price’s mental and physical prowess. In the semi-finals, Price faced Luke Humphries, the current world number one. Despite Humphries leading 2-0, Price’s superb finishing saw him take out six of his seven attempts at a checkout, blowing his opponent away with a 6-3 victory.
Aspinall’s Steady Progress
Nathan Aspinall, the world number 11, had a morale-boosting performance, especially given his recent struggles with ‘dartitis,’ a condition where players have a mental block when throwing on the stage. Aspinall’s journey to the final was marked by a series of notable performances. He picked up his first wins of the year, exchanging breaks with Price in legs three and four before breaking again in leg seven to take control. This put him 4-3 ahead, but Price’s resilient play ultimately saw him take the final. Aspinall’s run to the final is a testament to his determination and mental strength, especially after he candidly spoke about feeling "absolutely shocking" and "under the weather" before his quarter-final win over Rob Cross.
Humfrey’s and Littler’s Struggles
The evening was not without its share of disappointments. Luke Humphries, who has been in exceptional form this season, failed to make the final for the first time this year. His 6-3 defeat to Price in the semi-finals was a significant setback. Humphries led 2-0 but was overwhelmed by Price’s superb finishing. Similarly, Luke Littler, the reigning world champion, found himself on the wrong end of a 6-4 defeat to Price in the quarter-finals. Littler, who has been a dominant force in recent tournaments, was not at his best, mixing big scores with low ones and averaging less than 100. His frustration was evident as he was seen throwing his darts case to the floor after the match.
Van Gerwen’s Consistent Showing
Seven-time Premier League Darts winner Michael van Gerwen reached his third successive semi-final but was ultimately outmatched by Aspinall. Van Gerwen’s throw was broken four times in the semi-finals, a rare occurrence for a player of his caliber. Despite this, van Gerwen’s consistent performance throughout the season has cemented his status as a top contender. His ability to maintain a high level of play under pressure is a testament to his experience and skill.
Looking Ahead to Exeter
Week four of the Premier League Darts takes place in Exeter on 27 February. The order of play promises to be exciting, with matches that could significantly impact the standings. Michael van Gerwen will face Rob Cross, while Gerwyn Price will take on Luke Humphries. Chris Dobey will go head-to-head with Nathan Aspinall, and Stephen Bunting, who is making his return to the Premier League after a long absence, will face Luke Littler. Despite his early defeat, Bunting remains determined, posting on X after his 6-4 loss to Humphries that "still a few nerves" and it is "a marathon not a sprint." As the tournament progresses, the competition is sure to intensify, with every match bringing us closer to the highly anticipated play-off night at London’s O2 Arena on 23 May.
