MARKHAM’S Gerwyn Price defeated two-time world champion Adrian Lewis to book himself a place in the World Matchplay darts quarter-finals, writes Jordan Trott.

The former Cross Keys hooker won his third round tie 13-10 in a thrilling display that marked the biggest victory of his career.

The un-seeded Price, known as the Iceman, won against the world number four’s throw in the very first leg and accelerated to a 7-3 lead.

The result could have been more flattering for Price had Lewis not offered a mini resistance at 12-7 down.

Lewis had actually outscored the former ‘Keys star with an average of 99.20 along with an impressive checkout of 136.

But the Iceman lived up to his nickname and managed to have a superior checkout percentage to Lewis – an impressive 44.8%.

Price – who also had a short stint at Pro12 side Glasgow Warriors as well as rugby league outfit South Wales Scorpions – recently gave up rugby to pursue his darts career fulltime.

“I never thought in a million years I’d be here, I always thought I’d play rugby forever,” the 30-year-old said.

“I messed my rugby career up but this is a second chance which I won’t let go.”

Price will now take on Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright in a match the Welshman is anticipating with relish.

“He beat me in the World Darts Championship when I didn’t take my chances,” he said. “I’ll get my own back!”

Carmarthenshire’s Jamie Lewis was eliminated by favourite Michael van Gerwen, as the Dutchman proved too much for the 23-year-old to handle.

Lewis was powerless to resist van Gerwen’s irresistible form as he steamrolled through 13-2, averaging 110.93 in the match.

If Price is to advance to the semi-final he could face van Gerwen for a place in the final.