'Sometimes the cream does rise!' - Longer the format, the more confidence for Gerwyn Price, eyes Rock revenge

Gerwyn Price, ahead of his quarterfinal against Josh Rock at Friday night's Betfred World Matchplay, feels he is playing at the top of his game again. Both players are in top form at the moment, and in Blackpool they will cross swords again after the recent World Cup of Darts final.

Price played a phenomenal match against Chris Dobey in his second round match, in which he triumphed 11-3, throwing an average of just under 109 and hitting a whopping 73% of his doubles. With these impressive figures, the Welshman confirmed that the rest should take note of him. Rock had a tougher time in his second round match. After falling behind 5-1 and 9-6 against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, he came back strong to still beat the Dutchman.

Price eliminated in the first round Daryl Gurney, who was still Rock's partner at the World Cup of Darts. Now the Welshman is determined to do the same to the former World Youth Champion.

Rock faced a challenge when the two faced off last month in the final of the World Cup of Darts. Still, Price is confident he will take revenge this time at the Winter Gardens.

“I feel like I’m getting back to my best,” said the 2022 World Matchplay finalist. "The longer the format, the more confident I feel and the more belief I have in my game, because sometimes the cream does rise!"

“There are so many brilliant players in this tournament though, and they would probably say the same, they prefer the longer format. Josh is playing fantastic darts at the moment, and I know I’m going to face some very tough battles if I want to lift this trophy.”

Rock himself is also looking forward with anticipation to the encounter with Price at the iconic Winter Gardens. The 24-year-old hopes to qualify for his second televised semifinal in a ranking tournament.

“I’m looking forward to it, and Gezzy will be looking forward to it too,” admitted the 24-year-old. "It should be a great match, but it doesn’t really matter who you play, we’re all here to win that trophy. I believed in my own game and I dug deep against Michael, and I will have to do the same on Friday.”

Rock failed to win in his previous two appearances in Blackpool. However, after his convincing win over Ross Smith with an average of 104, he showed his fighting spirit in his victory over Van Gerwen.

“It’s taken me a couple of years to arrive on the big stage,” added the World Cup of Darts champion. "If that was me last year I wouldn’t have won that match, but this year I’m more experienced. I know how to win. I proved it against Michael. You’re playing one of the best players in the world, and I’m ready for it.”