Gerwyn Price enjoyed a dream homecoming on a sensational evening of Cazoo Premier League action, defeating Nathan Aspinall 6-3 to triumph on Night Two in Cardiff on Thursday.
Price, roared on by a sell-out crowd at the Cardiff International Arena, celebrated wins over Chris Dobey, Michael van Gerwen and Aspinall to cap off a fairy-tale return on home soil.
The 2021 World Champion – sporting his national colours – avenged his Night One defeat to Aspinall to claim the maximum five league points and scoop the £10,000 bonus prize in the Welsh capital.
Price punished a sluggish start from Aspinall to establish an early lead, converting a clinical 97 kill to move 2-0 ahead, although Aspinall replied with a two-dart 72 combination to halve the deficit.
The Welsh number one was undeterred however, restoring his two-leg buffer with a 12-darter, before posting back-to-back 13-dart holds to move to the brink of victory at 5-2.
The 37-year-old almost sealed the deal with a spectacular 157 finish, but after Aspinall sank double two to preserve his hopes, Price responded by pinning his favourite tops to clinch a memorable win.
“Honestly I loved every minute of it. I’m soaking it all up,” said an emotional Price, who is level on five league points alongside Dobey, Van Gerwen and Aspinall.
2023 Cazoo Premier League
Night Two – Thursday February 9
Cardiff International Arena
Quarter-Finals
Michael Smith 6-3 Jonny Clayton
Nathan Aspinall 6-3 Peter Wright
Gerwyn Price 6-5 Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Semi-Finals
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Michael Smith
Gerwyn Price 6-5 Michael van Gerwen
Final
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Nathan Aspinall
SOURCE-PDC