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
Last updated: 10/19/23 9:19 PM
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.”
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.”
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.