20 July 2020

Gerwyn Price crashes out in Milton Keynes after Danny Noppert defeat

20 July 2020

World number three Gerwyn Price crashed out of the PDC World Matchplay as he suffered a shock first-round loss to Dutchman Danny Noppert.

Price was defeated 10-7 by Noppert, who registered five 180s en route to victory.

The 29-year-old, playing his second World Matchplay tournament after debuting last year, said on pdc.tv: “It is a big win, I’m a really happy man.

“He didn’t play his best game, and it wasn’t my best game but I’m really happy to win. I believe that I can beat everyone if I play at my best level.”

Noppert’s compatriot Vincent Van Der Voort also advanced into round two after he defeated Dave Chisnall 10-6 – ending a nine-year wait for a win in the competition.

Chisnall, ranked 10th in the world, was 5-4 up before his opponent turned things around, and Van Der Voort said: “I haven’t felt this good for 10 to 15 years – the break has given me four months sleeping in my own bed and even though I still have some back pain it’s a lot better.”

Former finalist Adrian Lewis booked his place in the last 16 as the two-time world champion beat Steve Beaton 11-9.

Monday’s action at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes also saw Daryl Gurney see off Ricky Evans 10-5 and Joe Cullen get past Ian White 13-12.

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