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Michael van Gerwen produced a sensational finish to overcome Gerwyn Price in a thrilling World Matchplay final in Blackpool
The Green Machine scored heavily throughout the contest but had double trouble in the first half of the match. Price took advantage, going into a 4-0 lead in the first-to-18 affair. The Iceman also led 9-6 and 12-10, but when Van Gerwen eventually got his eye in on the outer ring, he was unstoppable.
The Dutchman took the lead for the first time in the 29th leg at 15-14. He then proceeded to pull clear, reeling off a series of huge check-outs, including a 121 finish on the bull in the match-clinching leg.
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"To get my hands on this trophy again means the world to me,” said an emotional Van Gerwen after lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy for the third time.
Van Gerwen hadn't lifted a darts major for three years until he won the Premier League in June. Now he has two in a matter of weeks.
"Everyone knows I've come through a very difficult patch in my career. To do the job means a lot to me, I can only be proud," he added.
"This is what darts wants. It was drama in the final, some phenomenal darts, some good scoring and good finishing. I'm really proud that I could hold my nerve for this. It's amazing, I'm so happy. The good times are coming again, I really feel it.
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"To do it against a player of his calibre means a lot. It's the first time we've played a final on Sky Sports. To win, it feels incredible."
Price, who lit up the week with some stunning displays, including a nine-dart finish against Danny Noppert in the semi-finals, was magnanimous in defeat.
"Did he hit a 180 in that game?," joked Price. "I was fortunate to be 4-0 up and 9-6 up. Michael is a fantastic player and when he gets on a roll like that, it's hard to contain.
"I did miss a couple of doubles. I thought I played all right in patches. I didn't have a purple patch which I needed in that game. I think Michael had it all game. He was fantastic, a deserved winner and a great friend."
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