Gerwyn Price beat Gary Anderson in the Grand Slam of Darts final (Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC)

Grand Slam of Darts final recap: Gerwyn Price beats Gary Anderson 16-13 in bad-tempered clash

By Chris Hammer

Darts

Sun November 18, 2018 · 6y ago

A recap from a dramatic finals day at the Grand Slam of Darts as Gerwyn Price stuns Gary Anderson in a bad-tempered final to win his first major title.

Scroll down for a full recap, stats and video highlights

AFTERNOON SESSION
Semi-Finals (Best of 31 legs)

Gerwyn Price 16-12 Mensur Suljovic
Michael van Gerwen 12-16 Gary Anderson

EVENING SESSION (7.30pm Sky Sports)
Finals (Best of 31 legs)

Gary Anderson 13-16 Gerwyn Price

🔄 Please refresh for live updates

Unbelievable scenes here as boos continue to ring out when Gerwyn Price becomes the first man to lift the Eric Bristow trophy. I wonder what the great man would have thought of a final like this?

Afterwards he said: "I'm throwing my darts, he needs to wait for his turn. He doesn't like it I'm a little bit up him, unlucky. He can't handle playing me, he just moans all the time and he needs to focus on his own game.

"I was chasing the game all the way through but I knew if I put him under pressure he would crack and he did. I will go down in history as the player to win the Eric Bristow trophy - it means a lot to me."

Doubt we'll hear from Gary Anderson for quite a while!

GRAND SLAM OF DART FINAL RESULT: Anderson 13-16 Price

Have you ever seen anything quite like this! Gerwyn Price produced an incredible fighting performance to stun Gary Anderson against all the odds but it'll be forever remembered (like he'll care) as the moment he became the sport's most unpopular ever champion!

A chorus of boos fill the arena but boy is the Iceman milking it, like he has all night.

Scroll down for full match stats and a leg-by-leg breakdown on how the most dramatic final unfolded!

Averages

Anderson: 97
Price: 97

180s

Anderson: 1
Price: 5

Checkout %

Anderson: 52% (13/25)
Price: 51.61% (16/31)

Highest Checkouts

Anderson: 144
Price: 137

LEG 29
Amazing bear pit atmosphere in here! The crowd cheer when Price's second dart of a visit bounces out, but his next hits treble 20 and he roars back at them! He adds insult to injury by then taking out 60 to become Grand Slam of Darts champion and the first Welsh winner of a PDC final! The crowd, however, are not impressed as boos ring out around the Aldersley Leisure Village
Anderson 13-16 Price

LEG 28
Price is being booed now as he continues to 'over celebrate' and the pair even collide when Anderson approaches the oche. This is crazy but the Welshman is on such a roll he doesn't care, putting his fingers behind his ears when landing double tops.
Anderson 13-15 Price

LEG 27
Price leads from the front in the leg and so nearly hits bullseye for a 167 checkout. Anderson then steps away from the oche when trying to take out 136 and looks absolutely fuming with something that was said! He puts him off his stride and the Welshman comes back to pin double six to complete a 15-darter. He's now odds-on favourite to win the match.
Anderson 13-14 Price

LEG 26, ANDERSON TO THROW FIRST
Anderson has lost control of the match as Price eventually breaks his throw on double one for a nervy 18-darter - after the Flying Scotsman had got down to 76 - to level the scores at 13-13!
Anderson 13-13 Price

FIFTH INTERVAL: Anderson 13-11 Price

Odds: Anderson is 2/7 to win the three legs he needs to become Grand Slam of Darts champion for the first time while Price is 11/4 as he continues to dig in. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

Anderson: 99
Price: 97

180s

Anderson: 1
Price: 5

Checkout %

Anderson: 52% (13/25)
Price: 57.14% (12/21)

Highest Checkouts

Anderson: 144
Price: 137

LEG 25
Price holds his nerve as an Iceman should to nail double five with just one dart left in his hand and take the final leg of this mini session. Are we going the distance?
Anderson 13-12 Price

LEG 24
Anderson seems to be thriving off the fiery atmosphere on the stage now, and another big grin spreads across his face when he pins double 10 with his third dart to restore a two-leg advantage. What a dual this has been!
Anderson 13-11 Price

LEG 23
Price bellows out another huge roar after visits of 136, 135 and 100 leave him 130, which he brilliantly takes out to cut the gap just one leg again. He really is one of the great fighters in the game right now.
Anderson 12-11 Price

LEG 22
The Price roar sounds again as he puts the disappointment of the previous leg behind him with a 78 checkout to finish off a 15-dart break of throw after Anderson had missed bullseye for a 124.
Anderson 12-10 Price

LEG 21
Anderson's attempt at the bullseye for a 170 checkout is poor but he gets another chance after Price spurs two darts at tops when trying to take out 60. The Flying Scotsman steps up to pin tops at his first attempt for a crucial 14-darter that puts him just four legs away from glory.
Anderson 12-9 Price

FOURTH INTERVAL: Anderson 11-9 Price

Odds: Anderson is back to being a strong favourite at 1/8, with Price on the drift to 5/1 - but don't rule out another comeback from the Iceman, who remains well ahead in the 180s markets! Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

Anderson: 99
Price: 96

180s

Anderson: 1
Price: 5

Checkout %

Anderson: 61.11% (11/18)
Price: 69.23% (9/13)

Highest Checkouts

Anderson: 144
Price: 137

LEG 20
It's almost turned into a contest on who can wind each other up the most with post double celebrations! This time Price begins what could be another stirring comeback with a 70 checkout for a 15-dart leg that breaks the Anderson throw.
Anderson 11-9 Price

LEG 19
Personally I don't think Anderson should get too cocky but in this leg his mood improves even more when he follows his first 180 of the match with a stunning 144 checkout to complete a 12-darter.
Anderson 11-8 Price

LEG 18
Gary, Gary, Gary. He takes great delight with an 84 checkout and a great big smile on his face as he turns to the crowd to almost mock Price. We all love it when the Flying Scotsman turns on the style like this and what drama to boot!
Anderson 10-8 Price

LEG 17
Anderson still looks wound up despite raising his game again and when he hits bullseye for a 72 checkout, with Price dangerously waiting on 38, he rips the darts out of the board with sheer anger. He needs to calm down.
Anderson 9-8 Price

LEG 16, ANDERSON TO THROW FIRST
Anderson needs to get his head right and avoid getting embroiled with all this nonsense on the oche. It looks like the interval did him some good as three successive 100+ visits and one of 87 leave him tops, which he takes out for a 14-darter. Price was back on 148.
Anderson 8-8 Price

THIRD INTERVAL: Anderson 7-8 Price

Odds: Big change in the odds now with Anderson on the drift to 4/9 from 1/10 while Price is just 7/4 having taken the lead at this crunch time. The Welshman is soaring ahead in the 180s market, for which he is 1/12 to win. Those stats below highlight just how well Price is playing and how Anderson is struggling! Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

Anderson: 97
Price: 96

180s

Anderson: 0
Price: 5

Checkout %

Anderson: 53.85% (7/13)
Price: 66.67% (8/12)

Highest Checkouts

Anderson: 81
Price: 137

LEG 15
Heated words exchanged on the oche between Anderson and Price! The Flying Scotsman isn't happy with the former rugby player's antics but this doesn't affect the momentum of the match, as Price holds in 17 tense darts to take the lead for the first time since going 2-1 up.
Anderson 7-8 Price

LEG 14
Price is loving being part of this final and now he's all square with a second successive break of the Anderson throw - and to be honest he ran away with it. A fifth 180 of the match left him 50, which he took out to complete a 12-darter.
Anderson 7-7 Price

LEG 13
Anyone who backed Price pre-tournament at massive odds (hopefully each-way) shouldn't give up on the big payout yet as the Iceman's standard rises as quickly as Anderson's is falling. He makes it six out of six on his doubles to move to within one leg.
Anderson 7-6 Price

LEG 12
Anderson falters slightly on his own throw and Price capitalises with visits of 139, 125 and 140 which help him complete a 14-darter that earns his first break of throw in the match.
Anderson 7-5 Price

LEG 11, PRICE TO THROW FIRST
Anderson is still peppering some big 100+ scores to keep his average well above three figures despite yet to open his 180 account and here he breaks the Price throw in 13 darts, with the Welshman back on 133.
Anderson 7-4 Price

SECOND INTERVAL: Anderson 6-4 Price

Odds: Anderson is still favourite at 1/10 and Price is out to 6/1 despite this impressive display, particularly on his 180s and his doubles! Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

Anderson: 101
Price: 96

180s

Anderson: 0
Price: 4

Checkout %

Anderson: 54.55% (6/11)
Price: 100% (4/4)

Highest Checkouts

Anderson: 81
Price: 137

LEG 10
Anderson opens up a two-leg lead after the second mini session but he's look pretty angry and fired up. He's still to hit a 180 but solid visits of 100, 140, 95 and 85 set up a two-dart checkout of 81.
Anderson 6-4 Price

LEG NINE
Price is running away with the 180s count (4-0) as he lands his fourth maximum en route to an impressive 13-darter under pressure with Anderson waiting on double top after three big visits of his own.
Anderson 5-4 Price

LEG EIGHT
Not quite the same standard in this leg as Anderson labours to a 17-darter, with Price back on 142.
Anderson 5-3 Price

LEG SEVEN
That's more like the Price we saw in the semi-finals, following up his third 180 with a 137 checkout to complete a superb 12-darter. If he maintains this kind of standard, he has a chance.
Anderson 4-3 Price

LEG SIX, ANDERSON TO THROW FIRST
Anderson comes back out with a relatively routine hold in 15 darts, although Price did put a little pressure on his 19 when hitting his second 180 to leave 119.
Anderson 4-2 Price

FIRST INTERVAL: Anderson 3-2 Price

Odds: Anderson is hot favourite at 1/9 while Price can now be backed at 11/2. It's closer in the 180s market as the Iceman leads 1-0 yet he's the marginal 13/8 outsider to end up with more. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

Anderson: 102
Price: 92

180s

Anderson: 0
Price: 1

Checkout %

Anderson: 75% (3/4)
Price: 100% (2/2)

Highest Checkouts

Anderson: 80
Price: 120

LEG FIVE
First proper blood - if that's even a phrase - to Anderson as he lands a showboating brace of double tops to take out 80 as a 14-darter seals a crucial break at the end of this mini session. He has a bit of cheeky smirk on his face as if to tell Price he's far from intimidated.
Anderson 3-2 Price

LEG FOUR
An unruffled Anderson levels the match with a steady hold of throw, pinning double 16 to complete a 17-darter, with Price back on 100. The Flying Scotsman is averaging around 100 at the moment, with Price 10 points lower.
Anderson 2-2 Price

LEG THREE
It's a good standard of darts early on - albeit nothing spectacular - and Price is showing no sign of nerves out there with a nine 81 checkout to comfortably edge ahead once more.
Anderson 1-2 Price

LEG TWO
Anderson didn't look too impressed with Price's early histrionics but responds well to get his first leg on the board in 13 darts, defying the opening 180 of the match from his opponent.
Anderson 1-1 Price

LEG ONE, PRICE TO THROW FIRST
Early pumped up celebrations from the Iceman as he takes the opening leg on throw with a superb 120 checkout when Anderson was waiting on 32. Great start for the underdog!
Anderson 0-1 Price

1940: The players are out on stage so let the drama begin...

1930: As far as betting goes for this match, I'm obviously happy to have tipped up Gary Anderson at the start and I personally think he'll run away with this one. You can back him at 11/10 with a -6.5 legs deficit on the handicap but I'm not predicting big numbers on the 180s front, especially if it's a shortish match. Anderson hit nine against MVG in what was a 28-leg match and I reckon this will be under 24.

1900: HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS. This is only the ninth time these two have met in official tournament play, with Gary Anderson winning six of them, including the last four, and Price taking the other two.

However those pair of victories for the Iceman have only happened on the floor in Players Championship events - the last of which being back in 2015 - while three of Anderson's have come on live TV.

The Flying Scotsman won their quarter-final at the World Series of Darts Finals last year 10-8 before triumphing 10-6 in another last-eight showdown at the Masters back in January.

They also met in week two of this season's Premier League, with Anderson winning comfortably 7-3 although Price is a different player to the one who struggled badly in a maiden campaign which ended in relegation.

1845: ROUTES TO THE FINAL. Below is how both players got this far and their tournament stats. As you can see, Gary Anderson sauntered through to the semi-finals with the minimum of fuss but did so with a ruthlessly high standard of play throughout which he carried into his semi-final with van Gerwen. The key to Gerwyn Price's journey to the final has been his battling spirit although his averages are almost at a level which could trouble Anderson over a long format.

GARY ANDERSON

Group Stage: 1st D (bt Unterbuchner 5-2, bt White 5-1, bt Hine 5-1)
2nd Rd: bt Harms (10-2)
QF: bt Unterbuchner (16-6)
SF: bt MVG (16-12)

Average: 101.27
180s: 30
100+ Checkouts: 9
High Checkout: 152
Checkout percentage: 51.35% (57/111)
Legs Won/Lost: 57/24

GERWYN PRICE

Group Stage: 1st F (bt Gilding 5-2, bt Durrant 5-4, lost to Whitlock 5-4)
2nd Rd: bt Payne (10-5)
QF: bt Whitlock (16-15)
SF: bt Suljovic (16-12)

Average: 96.54
180s: 27
100+ Checkouts: 5
High Checkout: 170
Checkout percentage: 43.75% (56/128)
Legs Won/Lost: 56/46

1800: So in a little over 90 minutes, Gary Anderson will go off as hot favourite against the battling Gerwyn Price to win the Grand Slam of Darts title for the first time in his incredible career.

The Flying Scotsman, who picked up his maiden UK Open, World Matchplay and Champions League titles earlier this season, is 1/6 while you can back first-time Grand Slam finalist Price at 7/2 to cause a big shock.

In the coming updates we'll run through their head-to-head records and tournament stats but if you want to refresh yourself on the semi-final drama while you wait for the action to begin, just scroll down for a blog recap and various video clips.

Gary Anderson and Gerwyn Price go head-to-head tonight

1700: Join us a little later this evening for build up and live leg-by-leg updates from the Grand Slam of Darts final between Gary Anderson and Gerwyn Price!

Fingers crossed for followers of my pre-tournament tips, who hopefully backed Anderson at 11/2 for the title. He's now 1/6 favourite against the underdog Iceman (4/1) but expect a real battle.

RESULT: MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 12-16 GARY ANDERSON

It's all over and Michael van Gerwen's three-year reign as Grand Slam of Darts champion is over as Gary Anderson beats him 16-12 in an enthralling semi-final. The Flying Scotsman was the better player in all areas of the game, finishing with a higher average, more 180s, better on his doubles and five 100+ checkouts. Can he now win this title for the first time against Gerwyn Price in tonight's final? The action begins at 7pm when you can follow our live blog!

Averages

MVG: 99
Anderson: 103

180s

MVG: 7
Anderson: 9

Checkout %

MVG: 40% (12/30)
Anderson: 48.48% (16/33)

Highest Checkouts

MVG: 124
Anderson: 118

LEG 28
The Flying Scotsman completes the job in style with a 104 checkout to complete a 15-darter as the Wolverhampton crowd go wild! He will now face Gerwyn Price tonight as both men look to lift this trophy for the first time in their careers.
MVG 12-16 Anderson

LEG 27
Don't write off MVG yet. His seventh 180 of the match follows visits of 139 and 134 as he then takes out 48 for a stunning 11 darter. Too little too late?
MVG 12-15 Anderson

LEG 26
The Flying Scotsman is just one away from a place in the Grand Slam of Darts final after taking out 56 to complete a 14 darter, with MVG waiting on 75. Can the complete the job and end MVG's three-year reign as champion?
MVG 11-15 Anderson

LEG 25
Wow! Anderson piles up visits of 140, 136 and 120 (featuring two bulls!) before checking out from 105 for a superb 12-darter at such a critical stage. He's so close now!
MVG 11-14 Anderson

LEG 24
Even the best players in the world can struggle in crunch situations. MVG misses five darts at a double and Anderson misses two before finally nailing two 10s to go two legs clear.
MVG 11-13 Anderson

LEG 23
The standard drops in the next leg but Anderson doesn't care as he pins double 10 with MVG back on 93 to restore his lead in 17 darts. It's getting extremely tense now.
MVG 11-12 Anderson

LEG 22
MVG quickly polishes off another leg in 12 darts, making a superb 124 checkout immediately after the pair traded back-to-back 180s and as if by magic it's all square in no time at all!
MVG 11-11 Anderson

LEG 21
Van Gerwen comes out after the break all guns blazing with an 11-darter that included three 100+ visits and a checkout of 100.
MVG 10-11 Anderson

Fourth Interval: MVG 9-11 Anderson

Odds: Anderson is favourite for the first time in the match at 2/5 while you can back MVG at 2/1. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

MVG: 98
Anderson: 104

180s

MVG: 5
Anderson: 8

Checkout %

MVG: 42.86% (9/21)
Anderson: 45.83% (11/24)

Highest Checkouts

MVG: 97
Anderson: 113

LEG 20
The pair trade 180s in successive visits but Anderson crucially misses one attempt to win the leg on double 11 before MVG pins double two for a 14-darter. Now we go into the final mini interval before this match reaches a conclusion.
MVG 9-11 Anderson

LEG 19
We're always treated when these two go blow for blow and the Wolverhampton crowd find their voices again when Anderson lands a crushing 118 checkout to restore his three-leg lead.
MVG 8-11 Anderson

LEG 18
The world number one stops the mini rut with the help of a visit of 170 mid leg and two others of 140 and 156 in a 13-darter!
MVG 8-10 Anderson

LEG 17
MVG's body language doesn't look too great as he uncharacteristically struggles with his scoring and Anderson goes in for the kill with a seventh 180 that helps him win the leg in 13 darts.
MVG 7-10 Anderson

LEG 16
A below-par nervy leg is taken by Anderson in 17 darts after MVG spurns two darts at doubles and the Flying Scotsman has clear daylight now.
MVG 7-9 Anderson

Third Interval: MVG 8-7 Anderson

Odds: MVG is still favourite but only just at 5/6 while Anderson can be backed at even-money. He's also 4/6 to hit more 180s and 8/13 to end up with the highest checkout. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

MVG: 100
Anderson: 103

180s

MVG: 4
Anderson: 5

Checkout %

MVG: 43.75% (7/16)
Anderson: 44.44% (8/18)

Highest Checkouts

MVG: 97
Anderson: 113

LEG 15
Anderson gives it a 'COME ON' as he conjures up a 112 checkout when MVG was waiting on 25 to edge ahead going into the third mini session. It's so hard to call now but I'm sticking with the man I've backed all through this tournament - Gary Anderson.
MVG 7-8 Anderson

LEG 14
MVG charges himself up again with a clinical two-dart checkout from 97 to win the leg in 14 and level the scores in this enthralling semi-final.
MVG 7-7 Anderson

LEG 13
The Flying Scotsman produces four big visits to render MVG's fourth 180 meaningless as he takes the leg in 14 darts to move ahead once more.
MVG 6-7 Anderson

LEG 12
Anderson hits his fifth maximum but later spurns a golden opportunity to break but he hits treble 20 to leave double five which he misses, and MVG comes back to take out tops with the last dart in his hand.
MVG 6-6 Anderson

LEG 11, ANDERSON TO THROW FIRST
Van Gerwen comes back out after the interval with a 180 but Ando defies it to win the leg in 13 darts thanks to visits including 140 and 134, while the Dutchman was back on 88.
MVG 5-6 Anderson

Second Interval: MVG 5-5 Anderson

Odds: MVG is still favourite but his odds have closed in to 8/13 while Anderson is now 5/4 as he looks well up for the fight. The Flying Scotsman leads the 180s count and is 2/5 fav to finish with more. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

MVG: 100
Anderson: 100

180s

MVG: 2
Anderson: 4

Checkout %

MVG: 41.67% (5/12)
Anderson: 41.67% (5/12)

Highest Checkouts

MVG: 88
Anderson: 113

LEG 10
MVG isn't fazed one iota as he rattles off an 11-darter that included his second 180 of the match and an 88 checkout to level the scores going into the break.
MVG 5-5 Anderson

LEG NINE
The Flying Scotsman has turned this one around, as his third 180 sets the tone for a stunning 12-darter that he finishes with a 64 checkout. Great contrast to the previous leg!
MVG 4-5 Anderson

LEG EIGHT
The best two players in the world shamble around on their finishing in this leg, with MVG messing up on double one before Anderson eventually pins double six to complete a sloppy 19 darter. It happens to the best of us!
MVG 4-4 Anderson

LEG SEVEN
A bit more like it from Anderson as he follows a pair of 96s with 139 and 140 to leave 30, which he uses all three darts to finish (15, 7, D4).
MVG 4-3 Anderson

LEG SIX, MVG TO THROW FIRST
A lacklustre leg by this pair's high standards is won by MVG in 17 darts, finishing off with a 50 checkout after Anderson wasted a dominant position with three visits of 60 or less.
MVG 4-2 Anderson

First Interval: MVG 3-2 Anderson

Odds: MVG remains favourite at 1/3 while Anderson can be backed at 5/2 to reach the final. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

MVG: 101
Anderson: 99

180s

MVG: 1
Anderson: 1

Checkout %

MVG: 42.86% (3/7)
Anderson: 50% (2/4)

Highest Checkouts

MVG: 58
Anderson: 113

LEG FIVE
The Flying Scotsman takes out a stylish 113 to complete a 15-darter as he goes into the first mini interval just a leg behind.
MVG 3-2 Anderson

LEG FOUR
Anderson gets his 180 count up and running but it's in vain as three 100+ visits and one of 96 sets up a 13-darter for MVG, who opens up an early two leg advantage.
MVG 3-1 Anderson

LEG THREE
MVG follows up an opening visit of 140 with the first maximum of the match before a score of 165 leaves him 16, which he takes out at the third attempt for a superb 12-darter.
MVG 2-1 Anderson

LEG TWO
Quite a gentle start to the match for these two as MVG gets his first leg on the board in 18 darts, closing it with a 58 checkout.
MVG 1-1 Anderson

LEG ONE, ANDERSON TO THROW FIRST
Firstly, don't expect detailed updates like in the last match - they both throw too fast for my fingers! Four successive visits of 100+ leaves Anderson 25, which he takes out in three for an opening 15 darter.
MVG 0-1 Anderson

1500: Next up is the mouthwatering semi-final between three-time defending champion Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, who is desperate to win this trophy for the first time in his career.

MVG is 2/5 favourite to beat Anderson for the seventh time in nine meetings this season but the Flying Scotsman (15/8) did get the better of him in their last televised clash at the Champions League of Darts two months ago.

In a nutshell, Anderson has hardly broken sweat (if a little wind) to reach this stage of the competition whereas van Gerwen has toiled his way here, albeit with a much more difficult route and coming up against inspired opposition.

Here's their head-to-head record and stats from the past week...

Head-to-head: 35-17 (2 draws)
2018 Meetings: 6-2

2018 TOURNAMENT RUN & STATS
Group Position: 2nd A - 1st D
Group Points: 4 - 6
2nd Rd: MVG bt Smith (10-8), Anderson bt Harms (10-2)
QFs: MVG bt Clayton (16-12), Anderson bt Unterbuchner (16-6)

TOURNAMENT STATS
Average: 104.68 - 100.42
180s: 30 - 21
100+ Checkouts: 1 - 4
High Checkout: 124 - 152
Checkout percentage: 40.82% (40/92) - 52.56% (41/78)
Legs Won/Lost: 40/27 - 41/12

Click here for all the event results & statistics

Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson go head-to-head

RESULT: GERWYN PRICE 16-12 MENSUR SULJOVIC

Averages

Price: 97
Suljovic: 98

180s

Price: 9
Suljovic: 5

Checkout %

Price: 50% (16/32)
Suljovic: 40% (12/30)

Highest Checkouts

Price: 170
Suljovic: 121

LEG 28
Gerwyn Price finishes his stunning comeback in style with a two-dart 100 checkout! The Welshman was 14/1 when trailing 10-5 - which was an even bigger deficit than the 9-5 he trailed Simon Whitlock in the last round - but went on a rampaging run of 180s and clinical finishing, including a 170 checkout, to stun Suljovic. Wow.
Price 16-12 Suljovic

LEG 27
Make that 10 legs from the last 12 as Price's incredible recovery continues. Don't forget Suljovic was 1/50 to win this match when 10-5 up but now he's starring defeat in the face as the Welshman pins double 10 for a 16-darter.
Price 15-12 Suljovic

LEG 26
The musclebound Welshman wins his ninth leg in the last 11, with the help of his ninth maximum of the match and a 55 checkout, to move two away from what would be the biggest victory of his career. He did reach the UK Open final in 2017 but this would be far more significant.
Price 14-12 Suljovic

LEG 25
Price finds himself in front for the first time since leading 2-1 and he does it with a two-dart 68 checkout which followed a lovely visit of 138 to complete a 17-darter and Suljovic is rattled.
Price 13-12 Suljovic

LEG 24
Incredible from the Iceman! He was 9-5 down against Simon Whitlock and won in the quarter-finals and today he was 10-5 down against an in-form Suljovic but has somehow battled back to level terms. The Austrian so nearly took out 158 when his dart at double 18 fell inside before Price held his nerve on double three with just one dart left in his hand.
Price 12-12 Suljovic

LEG 23
Back-to-back 180s gives Price the chance of a nine-darter but his seventh throw lands in single 20. He then hits treble 20 and then treble 19 - instead of treble 7 - to leave four, which he pins on his first attempt for a superb 10-darter!
Price 11-12 Suljovic

LEG 22
Every time you think the Iceman is down and probably out, he just keeps getting up again to throw some more darting punches. A sixth 180 of the match sets him on his way and although he faltered with a visit of 50, he follows up with 135 to leave 40, which he takes at the second attempt that punishes Suljovic's miss at double 16.
Price 10-12 Suljovic

LEG 21, PRICE TO THROW FIRST
The wheels came off Price's game in what was a pretty sloppy leg all round that Suljovic takes in 17 darts.
Price 9-12 Suljovic

Fourth interval: Price 9-11 Suljovic

Odds: Price has been cut to 11/4 from 14/1 to cause a shock over those last five legs while Suljovic is now 2/7 from 1/50. Click here for more live Sky Bet match markets.

Averages

Price: 97
Suljovic: 102

180s

Price: 5
Suljovic: 5

Checkout %

Price: 45% (9/20)
Suljovic: 45.83% (11/24)

Highest Checkouts

Price: 170
Suljovic: 121

LEG 20
Suljovic stops the rot as his fifth 180 helps him end Price's run of four successive legs but make no mistake about it, that was the Welshman's mini session and there's life in this semi-final yet. The Austrian's checkout percentage has dropped from the mid 70s to below 50% in those five potentially costly legs.
Price 9-11 Suljovic

LEG 19
Four legs on the bounce now for Price as he threatens a stunning comeback from looking dead and burried about 15 minutes ago. Even his haters must give him credit for this, with his latest leg coming in 17 darts with the help of visits of 140 and 125.
Price 9-10 Suljovic

LEG 18
Suljovic's doubling has fallen off a cliff as two more misses go begging and Price takes full advantage to take out 76 for a 15-darter that also included a fifth 180. Even the darts crowd - of all people - are beginning to wish they brought their ear plugs.
Price 8-10 Suljovic

LEG 17
It's not over yet as Price's momentum continues with his fourth 180 of the match that sets up 75, which he takes out for a 15-darter, with Suljovic waiting on 32. You can probably hear his roars back in Wales.
Price 7-10 Suljovic

LEG 16, SULJOVIC TO THROW FIRST
I don't personally mind Price's histrionics on the oche and if he feels it gives him some kind of performance boost - or even rattles the opposition - then fair enough. In this leg he unleashes the animal inside him with a third 180 to leave 30 and put pressure on Suljovic. It works as the Austrian fails with two visits from 77 and the Welshman roars when he finally pins double three.
Price 6-10 Suljovic

Third interval: Price 5-10 Suljovic

Odds: Suljovic is now 1/50, with Price available at 14/1 to pull off a huge comeback win. The 180 battle might be more interesting for a betting point of view, with Price 2/1 and Suljovic 4/6. Click here for more live Sky Bet match markets.

Averages

Price: 99
Suljovic: 106

180s

Price: 2
Suljovic: 3

Checkout %

Price: 55.56% (5/9)
Suljovic: 76.92% (10/13)

Highest Checkouts

Price: 170
Suljovic: 121

LEG 15
Surely there's no way back now, not even for a fighter like Price? There's just no let up in Suljovic's consistently high scoring and ruthless finishing as he wins this leg in 13 darts that included two more 140s and just one attempt at double 18.
Price 5-10 Suljovic

LEG 14
The Austrian increases his lead to four legs as he hits his ninth double from just 12 attempts - following his third 180 of the match - in what's turning out to be a lethal display of finishing that few could live with. Could he keep this up against either MVG or Anderson, assuming he wins?
Price 5-9 Suljovic

LEG 13
Suljovic brushes off that body blow with three visits of 140 en route to a 14-dart leg he finished with a 55 checkout. Price will be disappointed not to have followed up his 170 checkout with a hold of throw.
Price 5-8 Suljovic

LEG 12
PRICE CATCHES THE BIG FISH! Price was hit by two 170 checkouts against Whitlock in the group stage but now he produces one of his own to finish off a 12-darter that breaks the Suljovic throw. Super stuff!
Price 5-7 Suljovic

LEG 11, PRICE TO THROW FIRST
Stunning darts from Suljovic and he might well do a Price-like celebration! Visits of 100 and a pair of 140 leave him 121, which he clinically takes out for a 12-darter that earns him another break.
Price 4-7 Suljovic

First interval: Price 4-6 Suljovic

Odds: Suljovic is now 1/4 for victory but Price can't be overlooked at 3/1 as he shows signs of fighting back. Click here for more live Sky Bet match markets.

Averages

Price: 99
Suljovic: 106

180s

Price: 2
Suljovic: 2

Checkout %

Price: 50% (4/8)
Suljovic: 66.67% (6/9)

Highest Checkouts

Price: 96
Suljovic: 76

LEG 10
Looks like I did speak too soon a couple of legs ago! I should know better. Price unleashes a brilliant 11-darter after visits of 130, 140 and 135 leave him 96, which he takes out with treble 20 and double 18. Game on.
Price 4-6 Suljovic

LEG NINE
Price is a fighter and he stops Suljovic's run of five straight legs by holding throw in 14 darts, with the help of his second 180 of the match.
Price 3-6 Suljovic

LEG EIGHT
I don't want to blow my own trumpet - or indeed speak too soon - but my betting tip of Suljovic (-2.5 legs) to win on the handicap is going well! The Austrian wins another leg on the spin, this time in 13 darts to go four clear.
Price 2-6 Suljovic

LEG SEVEN
Price doesn't seem that fired up so far and while it's still early days I think part of that must be down to knowing that Suljovic isn't really bothered by it, judging by their two recent meetings this year on the TV stage. The Austrian won them both - at the Premier League and World Grand Prix - whereas someone like Simon Whitlock can come across more rattled and affected on the oche. Anyway, it's another leg for Suljovic who takes out double 16 for a 16-darter after Price narrowly missed bull for a stunning 167.
Price 2-5 Suljovic

LEG SIX, SULJOVIC TO THROW FIRST
Suljovic is now four out of six on the doubles after pinning tops for a 59 checkout to complete a 14-darter that defies Price's first maximum of the match, which left 113.
Price 2-4 Suljovic

Second interval: Price 2-3 Suljovic

Odds: Suljovic is now 4/9 for victory while Price can be backed at 7/4 to come from behind and reach the final. Click here for more live Sky Bet match markets.

Averages

Price: 101
Suljovic: 104

180s

Price: 0
Suljovic: 2

Checkout %

Price: 50% (2/4)
Suljovic: 60% (3/5)

Highest Checkouts

Price: 75
Suljovic: 76

LEG FIVE
The first break of the match goes to Suljovic, who started the leg with a 180 and ended it with a 76 checkout to complete a 15-darter - but only after Price missed tops.
Price 2-3 Suljovic

LEG FOUR
A sublime 13-darter from Suljovic levels the score thanks to successive visits of 95, 137, 127, 110 and a closing 32. Price was way behind for much of the leg although a 140 and 145 did at least apply some late pressure.
Price 2-2 Suljovic

LEG THREE
The Austrian hits the opening 180 of the match to leave 81 but he fails to earn a shot at a double in his next visit and Price punishes with a 75 checkout. And thise big pumped up celebrations follow.
Price 2-1 Suljovic

LEG TWO
Suljovic, who beat Price in both their televised matches at the World Grand Prix and Premier League this season, takes little time to get on the board with a cool 15-darter after backing up a lovely visit of 162 that left 32.
Price 1-1 Suljovic

LEG ONE, PRICE TO THROW FIRST
It's first blood to the Welshman as he pins double 20 with his first attempt to complete a 16-darter, showing no signs of pressure despite Suljovic also waiting on tops.
Price 1-0 Suljovic

1310: Price didn't exactly get a rousing reception on his way to the stage but he won't care. He's used to it by now. The Welshman is 13/8 outsider with Sky Bet to win this clash while Suljovic is 1/2 favourite. We're ready to begin...

1300: So first up on the oche will be Mensur Suljovic, who looked more like the dangerous force we know during his quarter-final victory over Dimitri van den Bergh, against the fiery Iceman that is Gerwyn Price.

You can look back on their routes to get here and their tournament stats by clicking here for my betting preview but in a nutshell Suljovic struggled through his group with just one win, laboured past Rob Cross in a below-par second-round match before finally turning on the style last time out.

Price was great in topping his group, albeit losing one match to double 170 checkout hero Simon Whitlock, before brushing aside Josh Payne in round two and getting his revenge against the Wizard in a pulsating and heating quarter-final.

The Wizard missed five match darts only for Price to make him pay by winning three legs on the trot for a 16-15 success. Has he got enough in the tank?

Mensur Suljovic and Gerwyn Price go head-to-head

1245: Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog from the climax of the Grand Slam of Darts, which has seen no shortage of drama including a nine-dart finish, two 170 checkouts in one match, 'fart-gate', and plenty of enthralling matches.

Michael van Gerwen is the 8/11 favourite to lift this trophy event for the fourth year in a row and while he's won 18 events in 2018, including the Masters, Premier League Darts and World Grand Prix, he has failed at the UK Open, World Matchplay, Champions League of Darts, European Championship and World Series of Darts Finals - so he's certainly not that dominant right now.

After a bit of a struggle to get here - including a group stage defeat to Johnny Clayton and two tough knockout matches against Michael Smith and the Ferret once more - he faces a semi-finals against 5/2 shot Gary Anderson, who has lost just four legs in his five games so far.

The Flying Scotsman wants to add this title to his CV for the first time - just like he did for the UK Open, World Matchplay, and Champions League earlier this year - and from what we've seen, he could give MVG a real match later on.

Before then we have the first semi-final between Mensur Suljovic and Gerwyn Price, who you can back at 6/1 and 12/1 respectively to be the last man standing. More on that match coming up.

Below you can refresh yourself with all the knockout stage results as well as how the group tables finished and a few highlights thrown in.