Gerwyn Price is expecting to be crowned world champion for a second time in January, but if it is not him lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy, then he reckons it will be Michael Smith.
Price came through a thrilling contest with Kim Huybrechts on Monday, beating the Belgian 4-3 in a deciding leg to continue the defence of his world title.
The Iceman marches into the last 16 where he will meet Dirk van Duijvenbode for the chance to play either Smith or Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals.
Price is good pals with his Wales World Cup teammate Clayton, but it is Smith who has caught his eye most at the World Championship so far.
Asked who he reckons is his biggest threat for the world title, Price said: ‘I think if I don’t win this tournament I think Michael Smith will.
‘He’s due a tournament, he’s due a big win and he’s firing really, really well.
‘It’s whether he can get over that winning line, but if I don’t win it I think Michael can go and win it.’
Bully Boy was in blistering form in his opening win against Ron Meulenkamp, averaging 106.32 in a 3-0 win.
He was slightly less convincing but still much too good for Willie O’Connor in the last 32, where he averaged 97.42 to beat the Irishman.
His title credentials will be severely tested in the last 16 against Clayton who has been living up to his pre-tournament billing as one of the favourites after a superb year that has seen him win four TV titles.
The Ferret was pushed hard by Keane Barry in his opening match, but a 103.70 average helped him to a 3-2 win, before a 102.56 saw him dismiss Gabriel Clemens 4-0 on Monday.
‘I felt good and I showed it, so hopefully it carries on,’ Clayton told Sky Sports after beating Clemens. ‘I take it game by game and hopefully I’m here at the end.
‘It’s been a fantastic year for myself and hopefully it carries on until the end of this tournament.
‘I’d love to pick that trophy up but I’ve got too many games to get through first so I’ll take it as it comes.’
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