Price beats Smith to reach World Matchplay semi-finals

Gerwyn Price beat Ross Smith 16-12 at the World Matchplay quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals, where he will face Gian van Veen. Luke Littler meets Dirk van Duijvenbode in the other last-four tie.

Gerwyn Price produced a clinical display to beat Ross Smith 16-12 in the World Matchplay quarter-finals at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, setting up a semi-final meeting with Gian van Veen. The Welshman, who is ranked seventh in the world by the PDC, looked in control before Smith fought back from 12-8 down to draw level, but Price raised his game again to seal victory with a 102.78 average as he bids to reach the final of the tournament for the first time.

How did Price get past Smith?

Price stayed composed after Smith recovered to make it 12-12, then pulled clear again to finish the match strongly. The result keeps alive his bid to reach the World Matchplay final for the first time.

“Ross played a decent game as well, so it's nice to play well when someone is playing well. It gives you a bit of confidence going into the next round,” Price told Sky Sports.

“For him to get back to 12-12, I thought 'here we go again', but thankfully I rode off four legs on the bounce.”

Who will Price play in the semi-finals?

Price will face Gian van Veen of the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Saturday after Van Veen beat spirited James Wade 16-13. Van Veen took control early and led by three legs at 11-7, but Wade battled back to level the match at 11-11 before the third seed responded decisively.

Englishman Wade kept pegging Van Veen back until the Dutchman produced a 118 checkout to break Wade's throw and move 14-12 ahead, before wrapping up the victory.

“It was a tight battle, but I'm glad I got the job done,” Van Veen said.

“I was so lucky James wasn't scoring as well and my finishing got me through. Hopefully in the semis I will be a lot better.”

What does the rest of the semi-final line-up look like?

Defending champion and world number one Luke Littler will face unseeded Dirk van Duijvenbode in the other semi-final after both players won through on Thursday. Live coverage of the semi-finals will be available on the website and app from 19:30 BST on Saturday.