Lewy Williams Steals The Show With A Stunning First Round Win . . . As Gerwyn Price Grinds His Way Into The Next Round

By Paul Jones

There were plenty of questions left unanswered by Gerwyn Price’s performance, but the former Neath and Cross Keys hooker began his quest for a second world title with a ground out 3-1 victory against Luke Woodhouse at Alexandra Palace.

Missing some of his usual exuberance on stage, the current world number one had to battle back from a set down after his stuttering start, but soon showed his darting quality as he ran out the comfortable winner to take his place in the last 32.

Woodhouse, who has already beaten Price on three previous occasions, raced into a set lead with a 104.95 average and punished the Welshman for his early misfiring arrows at the double.

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The 37-year-old from Cardiff appeared to grow frustrated with his performance as Woodhouse continued to toil away and took the second set to a deciding leg, but the Iceman kept his cool to dispatch double 12 for an 83 checkout and level the scores heading into the second interval.

Price switched into gear in the third set and despite missing more doubles, he took a set lead, as Woodhouse seemingly became heated about his own declining performance.

The 2021 world champion was not to be denied and cruised through the third set with three straight legs including a game-high 150 finish which was applauded by his English counterpart. He will face either Ryan Meikle or five-time world champion Raymond Van Barneveld in round three.

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Earlier on, Richie Burnett was defeated in a final set showdown, following a scrappy game against Czech debutant Adam Gawlas. It was the Prince of Wales’ first vistit back to the ‘Ally Pally’ since his drugs ban, but he couldn’t hold on for the win, in his 11th PDC World Championship.

Robert Owen was also knocked out following a spirited performance against Andre Gilding. The 2022 Challenge Tour Runner-up may see the 3-2 loss as a missed opportunity, with the game swinging back and forth. But the Welshman, who had to deal with crowd as well struggled to keep up with Gilding in the final set.

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But Lewy Williams, got the Welsh flags waving again with a stunning performance against Niels Zonneveld, as he eased past the Dutchman 3-0 in double quick time. It was a great night for the 20-year-old born in Swansea, came within a whisker of a ‘nine-darter’, before sealing the game and setting up a huge tie against hotly tipped Michael van Gerwen.

But Williams will have no pressure and doesn’t fear anybody, after beating MvG in their first meeting. And after a performance like last night’s, in front of a raucous ‘Ally Pally’, you can see why the youngster has nothing to fear.

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The youngster said: “I don’t fear anyone. Michael van Gerwen’s a quality player, everyone has said he’s on the downfall but he’s not, he’s won four majors this year,’ said Williams.

“But I’ll go into it with full confidence and if he’s not on his game then I hope I’ll capitalise on that and maybe push him and get the win.

“I’ve got that experience of playing him, it was actually my first day on the pro tour I played him, in the third round I beat him 6-5.

“I think it’s every kid’s dream. When I started playing darts my dream was to get to Ally Pally, never mind against the best player in the world at the minute.”

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Ritchie Edhouse missed six match darts while Canadian David Cameron reeled off seven straight legs as he came from behind to advance through to the second round with a 3-2 victory.

Debutant Danny Van Trijp dumped out veteran Steve Beaton with ease as he strolled to a 3-0 win, throwing four 180s and an average of 87 on his first appearance at the Ally Pally.

Leonard Gates came from behind to defeat Geert Nentjes in the first game of the evening and will play Stephen Bunting in the last 64 stage next time around.

In the afternoon session, there were wins for Andrew Gilding, Danny Jansen and Lewy Williams while Jose de Sousa came out on top in a five-set thriller with Simon Whitlock.