Gerwyn Price sets up all-Welsh final with Jonny Clayton at World Grand Prix
World number one Price will meet compatriot Jonny Clayton in Saturday’s final in Leicester.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Defending champion Gerwyn Price set up an all-Welsh final at the World Grand Prix with a stunning 4-2 comeback victory over Stephen Bunting
World number one Price will meet compatriot Jonny Clayton in Saturday’s final in Leicester but only after battling past Bunting in dramatic fashion.
The 36-year-old reigning world champion trailed by two sets and returned to the oche late, complaining of twinges in his throwing arm.
The former professional rugby player had looked out of sorts and struggling for rhythm, but after the extended break, returned a different animal.
The dispensation to return late after two sets proved pivotal as Price clicked into gear to turn the contest on its head.
“I had a little bit of trouble with my arm, I was struggling for movement,” Price told Sky Sports.
“I just needed an extra five minutes, and that was it.
“I felt a little bit better after I came out.
“I was just plodding along trying to scrape legs.
“I wasn’t playing particularly well, but dug in to the end.
“It was one of the worst performances I’ve had, the crowd was on my back; that was tough.
“I was down and out but I had to give myself a kick up the backside and get out there.
“I thought I was probably going to lose but I dug in and found some decent darts.”
Clayton had earlier thumped Danny Noppert 4-1 to tee up the showdown with Price.
The Ferret racked up six consecutive leg victories to book his place in the final and move up to a minimum world number 11 ranking.
Clayton then admitted he had already considered what it would mean to claim that maiden triumph.
“Hopefully it’s my year,” Clayton told Sky Sports. “It’s awesome, I’m over the moon.
“That’s what we came to do and I’ve got there. So, fantastic.
“To be honest, Danny was 2-0 up, I think it was on the fourth set.
“I came back and nicked that one – and that’s what made the difference.
“Danny’s fantastic and I’m chuffed with that win.”