Van Gerwen beats Price to win Players Championship
Michael van Gerwen is a three-time world champion
- Published
Michael van Gerwen recovered from his disappointing World Grand Prix exit to beat Gerwyn Price 8-4 in the Players Championship 27 final.
The Dutchman, who failed to win a leg in Leicester as he was knocked out in the first round by Daryl Gurney, bounced back with aplomb in Wigan on Tuesday to claim a third ranking title of the season.
Van Gerwen produced his best average of 98.82 to overcome Welshman Jonny Clayton 6-5 in the quarter-finals, before beating compatriot Wessel Nijman in the semi-final to set up a showdown with Price.
The Welshman established a 2-0 lead before Van Gerwen, 35, won the next two legs to level.
Price regained the lead but his rival then took control of the match and went 5-3 up with an impressive 142 checkout.
Another 112 finish meant Van Gerwen extended his lead, before another break of throws moved him to within one leg of victory.
Price hit a fine 126 to remain in the contest but the Dutchman impressively closed out the match.