"I fully accept that perspectives differ, and I have great sympathy for what Azeem Rafiq has gone through, but I hope everyone understands why I cannot allow this to go unchallenged or my reputation to be trashed unfairly." There was enough time for Clayton, whose only other major ranking final was the 2017 Players Championship Finals - to underline his maverick tendencies, a superb 112 finish was followed by some trademark counting errors but Noppert was too far behind as the Welshman took his place in Saturday's showdown. The Roses generated a wave of momentum during the second half of the second Test, and both Thirlby and captain Serena Guthrie have spoken about the importance of improving their start. The reigning world champion started with a 6-3 win over Damon Heta to set up a monumental quarter-final clash with Michael van Gerwen and in a thrilling contest it was the Welshman who defied the Dutchman's 105 average to win a last leg shoot-out.Gerwyn Price in 2021:Last leg deciders:Played 17 Won: 14