Gabriel Clemens beat world number one Gerwyn Price at the Darts World Championships in London on New Year’s Day and is sensationally in the semi-finals. In the round of four, Gabriel has to deal with last year’s finalist Michael Smith.
The Saarlander outclassed the Welshman Price with 5:1 sentences. Price caused a curiosity during the game: he came on stage from a short break with dark earmuffs to protect himself from annoying heckling. Apparently putting on the hearing protection was compliant with the rules. “What can I say? I’m just super happy”said “Gaga” after the match at sport1. “I knew that he warms up with the earmuffs. But I haven’t seen that he comes on stage with them.”
The entry of the “German Giant” into the round of the top eight was the first of a German darts player in the history of the world championship. Clemens had no chance against the 2021 world champion in the first set. But Price could not maintain his level for long, Clemens, on the other hand, acted at a consistently high level and gradually unnerved the high favorite.
Van den Bergh first semi-finalist
Dimitri van den Bergh was previously the first semi-finalist. The Belgian defeated Welshman Jonny Clayton. Last year’s finalist Michael Smith also made it into the semi-finals.
Van den Bergh has come through the tournament relatively easily and with good performances. In the round of 16 he clearly defeated compatriot Kim Huybrechts.
In the semifinals on Monday (January 2nd, 2023, 8.30 p.m.) he will face the winner of the game between top favorite Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) and England’s Chris Dobey.
Also last year’s finalist Smith in the semifinals
Last year’s English finalist Michael Smith also reached the semi-finals. The “Bully Boy” defeated his compatriot Stephen Bunting 5:3 and can hope for a place in the final like at the last World Cup. Smith experienced his most difficult game to date against the German Martin Schindler, whom he narrowly defeated 4:3.
Smith would meet Gabriel Clemens in the semifinals should the German continue his winning streak. Clemens plays on Sunday evening (8.30 p.m.) in the Alexandra Palace against world number one Gerwyn Price from Wales for the first time in the top four at the Darts World Cup.