Gerwyn Price racks up 100 average in World Grand Prix win over Michael Smith
The world number one averaged 100.82 in the annual double-start tournament.
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.Reigning champion Gerwyn Price became only the sixth player in the 23-year history of the World Grand Prix to average over 100 during his first-round win over Michael Smith
Welshman Price averaged 100.82 in the annual double-start tournament at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.
The world number one hit six 180s in nine legs and checked out on 81 after Smith had missed three doubles to force a deciding set.
“I think I played pretty well, Michael didn’t play too bad either, but I was pretty consistent,” world champion Price told Sky Sports after his 2-0 win.
“He bombed an opportunity in that last leg and I took it.
“I knew it was going to be a tough game. Everybody’s out there to beat me and I don’t blame them.
“I’m playing really well and I just thrive in these situations. Under pressure I’m playing some good darts.”
Two-time champion James Wade produced a bullseye finish for a 121 sudden-death leg checkout against Australian Damon Heta.
Heta surged into a 2-0 lead in the first set and hit a second 180 in the third leg.
But missed doubles proved costly and number four seed Wade rattled off three legs to take the set.
Heta levelled to take the match into a third set and it went all the way before Wade won the fifth leg decider.
Daryl Gurney the 2017 champion, lost 2-0 to Stephen Bunting and Mervyn King beat Martijn Kleermaker by the same scoreline.
Ross Smith marked his first Grand Prix appearance with a 2-0 victory over fellow Englishman Joe Cullen.
“I think the doubles went well from the start so I’m very happy,” Smith said.
“I’ve had a lot of mates who’ve helped me out with the practice side of it.
“They’ve kept me on the dartboard in the last three or four weeks, so I have to thank my mates for that.”
Dave Chisnall beat Mensur Suljovic 2-1, Luke Humphries overcame Dirk Van Duijvenbode 2-0 and Ryan Searle defeated Dimitri Van Den Bergh 2-1 in another match decided by a sudden death leg.