Gutted Gerwyn Price dumped out of World Darts Championship

The fifth seed and 2021 winner was dumped out after a 4-2 third-round defeat to Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan at Alexandra Palace.

Dolan held his nerve to close out the match with his first shot at tops after Price had clawed his way back from two legs down to level in the sixth set.

It was a crushing defeat for Markham’s Price, who had been intent on repeating his victory in the behind-closed-doors tournament in 2021.

The 38-year-old failed to hit those heights as he averaged 95.76, hit four 180s, hit 38 per cent of his doubles and his highest checkout was 96, while he was knocked out despite winning 14 legs to Dolan's 13.

Gerwyn Price at the World Darts Championship (Image: Press Association)

“Absolutely gutted with the chances I gave away tonight,” Price posted on social media. “Trying too hard and beating myself up.

“Just want to say how much I appreciate the crowd that got behind me, just couldn’t get a flow and Brendan took out every chance I gave him.

“Well done to him and hopefully I’ll learn from this. Just to rub more salt in, I’m the only player to lose and win more legs!”

Dolan, who got through his second round match via a sudden death leg against his compatriot Mickey Mansell, had served an early warning when he took out the opening set with a 144 checkout.

His crisp finishing proved the difference as he nudged in front again at 2-1 on the bull, and 64 to repel Price’s advances to go 3-2 up and one set from victory.

Dolan looked set to be made to pay for missing a match-dart at bull at 2-0 in the sixth when Price hit back to break his throw, but the Northern Ireland 50-year-old saw it home in style.

“To beat someone like Gezzy is unreal,” revealed the former World Grand Prix finalist, who was beaten by Price at the same stage of the 2021 tournament.

“I have the utmost respect for Gezzy. He is pure class. He didn’t play as well as he could have, and I took out some crucial finishes, which gave me the belief that it could be my night.

“It’s a big result for me, but I’m here to win. I know it’s going to be a battle to get there, but I’m ready to fight.”