World Number 1 Gerwyn Price was given a scare by Luke Woodhouse on Monday night at the PDC World Darts Championships.
The Welshman is chasing his second PDC crown and had to come from a set down against Worcestshire's Woodhouse, who averaged close to 105 in their opening set.
'The Iceman' is not one to shy from a fight and responded in kind, taking three straight sets with an overall average of 92.88, winning by 3 sets to 1.
ICE IN THE VEINS!
That is simply sublime ??
A vintage Gerwyn Price MASSIVE finish and a vintage reaction as he moves to the brink of the match!#WCDarts | R2
? https://t.co/37DNuuK5Me pic.twitter.com/FsQk1MtL5U— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 19, 2022
Speaking after the game, Price admitted he felt pressure on the stage: "That's probably the most nervous I've been for the last two years and I said that to Luke.
"I stuck in there and Luke bless him fell apart towards the end. He couldn't hit anything thankfully, but it was a tough game. I just needed to get through."
Thanks for all the amazing support this year, especially my wonderful sponsors. @Winmau @TheWigleyGroup @rwigley28
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Looking forward to tonight can’t believe it’s been 32 consecutive years. Trust me I’ll be trying just as much tonight as i did on my first. pic.twitter.com/fq6Uw8Ob6s— Stevebeaton (@Stevebeaton180) December 19, 2022
Steve Beaton made a record-breaking appearance on the night, walking out for his 32nd consecutive year on darts' biggest stage.
'The Bronzed Adonis' was nowhere near his best against his young Dutch foe, and Danny van Trijp strolled to a straight-forward 3-0 victory.
DANNY'S DREAM DEBUT! ??
That is a very impressive Ally Pally debut from the 25-year-old Dutchman, destroying Steve Beaton in straight sets!
Up next ? Gerwyn Price v Luke Woodhouse#WCDarts | R1
? https://t.co/37DNuuK5Me pic.twitter.com/rzuBdEKV2P— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 19, 2022
Elsewhere, an emotional Jose de Sousa was made to work extremely hard against Australian veteran Simon Whitlock.
De Sousa had to recover from 2 sets down to take the tie in a thrilling final set.
Speaking after the game, a visibly emotional De Sousa spoke: "Last week the wife of my cousin died of cancer. I'm here for you and you know that."
‘I’m here for you and you know that’ ❤️
A very emotional @JoseDeSousa180 sends heartfelt message to cousin after second round win. pic.twitter.com/cGVpIpmEon
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 19, 2022
Looking ahead to today's action and there are two standout ties.
Women's World Matchplay supremo Fallon Sherrock returns to Alexandra Palace against Ricky Evans.
Directly afterwards, Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld begins his 30th World Championship appearance against Ryan Meikle.
