World Matchplay: Gerwyn Price suffers fourth first round defeat

Gerwyn Price reached the World Matchplay quarter-final in 2015

Welshman Gerwyn Price has suffered first round World Matchplay defeat for the fourth year in a row.

The world number three was surprisingly beaten 10-7 by 24th ranked Danny Noppert behind closed doors in Milton Keynes.

Price, who averaged just 90.73, has not won a game in the event since 2016.

The two-time Grand Slam of Darts champion and this year's UK Open runner-up won the first leg but was never ahead again.

After Price threw a 114 checkout to go 1-0 up, Dutchman Noppert opened up a 3-1 lead.

The former rugby player from Markham also produced a 122 finish on his way to levelling the match at 4-4.

• Price 'nervous' about oche return

Noppert led 7-4, 8-5 and then 9-7 before an 88 checkout to seal the biggest win of his career.

In round two he will face England's Adrian Lewis.

Price's exit follows a first-round defeat for fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton.