Resurgent Ryan Joyce stuns Gerwyn Price to end title drought at Players Championship 26

Ryan Joyce defeated Callan Rydz, Daniel Klose, Mervyn King, Jose de Sousa, Ritchie Edhouse and then Gerwyn Price on his way to winning the title at Players Championship 26; Gerwyn Price was competing for his fourth Players Championship title this year

Ryan Joyce stunned Gerwyn Price at Players Championship 26

Ryan Joyce claimed his second PDC rankings title with victory in Players Championship 26 on Thursday after recovering from 6-4 down to stun Gerwyn Price in a thrilling decider.

Joyce, appearing in his third ranking final of 2023, looked on the verge of being ousted by the unstoppable Welshman but launched a stunning late fight to end his three-year wait for a PDC title in Barnsley.

The Newcastle-upon-Tyne star had claimed his previous rankings title in July 2020 at the PDC Summer Series, as the sport returned from the Covid-19 pandemic, this time collecting £12,000.

Price took the early initiative in a thrilling final with successive 14-dart legs, and a sublime 11-dart hold in leg four saw him restore his two-leg cushion.

Joyce responded with a 12-darter and also converted a stylish 131 checkout in leg seven, but he could not break the Price throw as the Premier League runners-up extended his lead to 6-4.

However, Joyce turned the match on its head during a crucial three-leg spell, moving to the brink of victory at 7-6 after producing a stunning set-up 153 in leg 12 to break Price’s resistance.

The 2021 world champion hit back with a nerveless 110 skin saver to force a decider, although Joyce was undeterred and responded with a 107 finish in a dramatic final to secure victory.

“I played really well,” said Joyce, a two-time runner-up on the 2023 Players Championship circuit.

“This is one of the best days of my career. It’s comparable to the title I won a few years ago and hopefully I can build on this now.”

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Michael Bridge and Mark Webster present their prizes for the 2023 World Grand Prix

Joyce, who now finds himself back in the world’s top 40, credits a change in lifestyle and some advice from Masters champion Chris Dobey as the catalyst for his resurgence in recent months.

“I’ve been trying to eat healthier and lose a little weight,” the former World Cup quarter-finalist continued.

“I’ve lost a few stone since June and it makes you feel better.

“I also have to give credit to Chris Dobey. A few months ago I felt like I was struggling with my score, and he really helped me.

“I cannot underestimate the power of that five-minute lesson with Chris. It was the turning point for me.”

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A look back at the best of the action from an exciting World Grand Prix in Leicester

Joyce started his Players Championship 26 campaign with a win over Callan Rydz, before averaging almost 106 in a decisive victory over Alan Soutar.

The 38-year-old continued his assault with comeback wins over Daniel Klose, Mervyn King and Jose de Sousa, coming from 5-3 down to leave the Portuguese behind in a dramatic last-eight draw.

Joyce then won via a high-quality semi-final showdown against Ritchie Edhouse, recording winning legs of 12, 12, 14, 14, 13, 14 and 11 darts to triumph with an average of 105.