Gerwyn Price has been knocked out of the World Darts Championship by Chris Dobey on Wednesday afternoon in an incredible 5-3 loss.
The former world champion, having been on the verge of crashing out in the penultimate set, riled up the crowd with some exuberant celebrations when he brought the scores back to 4-3.
But the Iceman ended up with egg on his face as Dobey ripped through the final set to land himself in the semi-final.
Price looked back to his best after a flying start that saw him take a 2-0 lead – even holding a perfect record on the doubles for a time.
Gerwyn Price has crashed out of the World Championship
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However, after losing his accuracy on the doubles, it fell apart rapidly for the Welshman as Dobey took full advantage.
Hollywood won four sets without reply before putting himself on the verge of victory by winning two legs.
But Price, mustering perhaps a bit of gamesmanship, celebrated wildly when he levelled the legs before taking the seventh set.
The Alexandra Palace crowd had been giving some stick to Price, as has happened countless times in the past, leading the 39-year-old to give a bit back.
Before long, the Ally Pally fans were cheering his name – though it did little as Dobey went on to claim the victory with a blockbuster 92 checkout (20, D18, D18).
“This is at the top. Getting over that defeat last year and getting over the line this year means so much,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve never been so nervous throwing at a winning double than I have today.
“I was thinking about last year and kept thinking ‘keep going, you will get another chance’.
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Gerwyn Price played to the crowd after an entertaining Ally Pally clash
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“Luckily I found a way over the line. I’m overwhelmed.
“He played brilliant. He didn’t give it as much as I thought he would. That might have helped me.
“I’m buzzing to get that win. I probably wouldn’t have done it without this crowd.”
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