By Paul Jones
Wales’ former champion Gerwyn Price survived a spirited comeback from Joe Cullen to secure his place in the fourth round of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship in a dramatic contest at Alexandra Palace.
The win also set up an all-Welsh clash against his World Cup teammate Jonny Clayton.
The reigning champion, Luke Humphries, and two-time winner Peter Wright also progressed, setting up an electrifying next stage of the tournament.
Price, seeded 10th, appeared to be cruising after taking a commanding three-set lead over Cullen, the No. 23 seed.
However, the match quickly escalated into a thriller.
Cullen capitalised on Price’s struggles with double 20 and double 10 in the fourth set, narrowing the deficit.
PRICE WINS A THRILLER!
That might just be the game of the tournament so far!
Gerwyn Price manages to break the Rockstars throw in the final leg of the game, and beats Joe Cullen 4-3 and books his place in the Last 16!
https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VnjnJxP0T0
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024
The Englishman maintained the pressure, clinching the fifth set despite squandering seven darts in the final leg. Momentum firmly on his side, Cullen took the sixth set as well, setting up a tense final set showdown.
The deciding set was a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Cullen missed a match dart that could have sealed an extraordinary turnaround, while Price, still inconsistent on doubles, failed to convert four match darts of his own.
Cullen then landed a stunning 170 checkout to force a sudden-death leg, but Price ultimately held his nerve to break throw for a seventh consecutive time and clinch the match.
“That was tough. I just wanted to get over the winning line … every single set he just kept coming back. He played some good darts at the right time,” Price told Sky Sports.
“The crowd were well behind him, and I actually thought I was going to lose that game.
“I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it. I kept in it right till the end and thankfully got the win and I’m still in.
“I’ve got a lot more in the tank and I’ll play a lot better than I played tonight. I done enough to win — and I’m just happy with that.”
Back to Ally Pally, and I’m feeling refreshed after a short break.
I play Daryl Gurney this afternoon.
It’s always tough to play your mates, but it should be a cracker.
See you later @ModusDarts180 @reddragondarts @zwasports @BetVictor RNA @JustWalesLTD JPL @THEDJSHOP pic.twitter.com/7BY0VcZF0E
— Jonny Clayton (@JonnyClay9) December 27, 2024
Price will face fellow Welshman Clayton in the next round, while reigning champion Humphries and veteran Peter Wright also advanced with impressive displays.
Humphries, competing for the first time since the opening night, delivered a solid but unspectacular 4-0 victory over Nick Kenny. Despite a shaky start, he improved as the match progressed, finishing with a 98.59 average and a 52.2% checkout rate.
“I knew I wasn’t firing, I suspected there was so much more to give, but it just wasn’t coming out of me,” Humphries told Sky Sports.
“It was a solid performance and I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight. It is not my best but when someone pushes me I know I can provide the goods.”
The reigning champion will now face two-time winner Wright, who overcame Jermaine Wattimena 4-2. Wright, battling a chest infection, displayed clinical finishing in critical moments to deliver one of his finest performances of a challenging 2024 season.
“It (chest infection) wasn’t affecting my darts, I was just holding my breath,” said Wright, the tournament’s 17th seed.
“I’m not bad for an old guy, am I? It is about spirit and the support was brilliant. Hopefully I’ll be feeling a little bit better in the next round.”
While Humphries and Wright moved forward with relative ease, it was Price’s rollercoaster battle with Cullen that stole the show.
The chaotic contest featured nine breaks of throw in the final 11 legs, as Price landed just 15 of his 58 checkout attempts, while Cullen converted 19 from 54.
Reflecting on his narrow victory, Price reiterated: “That was tough. I actually thought I was going to lose it but I stayed in it and got over the line.”
“I’ve got a lot more in the tank. I can play a lot better than I have tonight. I didn’t play brilliantly but I did enough to win in the end.”
As the competition heats up, all eyes will now turn to the upcoming matches, with Humphries, Wright, and Price aiming to solidify their positions in darts’ most prestigious tournament.