PRICE POWERS THROUGH ON DAY TWO, AS WATTIMENA DUMPS OUT WADE

Gerwyn Price insists he has a point to prove to himself after opening his bid for a second Paddy Power World Darts Championship title with victory over Keane Barry on Monday evening.

Day Two of the sport's flagship event saw two second-round ties and six first-round matches take place across a bumper double session, as 2020/21 World Champion Price took centre stage at Alexandra Palace.

Price – one of eight World Champions in this year’s field – eased through to the third round with a routine straight-sets success against Barry, conceding just two legs in the process.

The Irishman impressed in his first round victory over Kim Huybrechts on Sunday evening, although he endured a doubling disaster against Price, missing 22 of his 24 darts at a double.

“I know how well I can play. I just want to prove to myself that I’ve still got it,” claimed Price, who will play Joe Cullen, Wessel Nijman or Cameron Carolissen after the Christmas break.

“I have given myself a boost of confidence with the way I’ve played in exhibitions over the last few weeks, but this is where I want to perform, on the biggest stages in the biggest events.

“I put myself under a lot of pressure tonight because I wanted to go home and enjoy Christmas with a win, and this is where the tournament really starts for me.”

However, while Price powered through, four-time semi-finalist James Wade was sent packing by an impressive Jermaine Wattimena, who insists he can create some personal history after maintaining his fine form in the capital.