Gerwyn Price still unsure he will return to play in World Darts Championship | ‘I needed ear-defenders to focus’ | Darts News

You can watch Gerwyn Price as part of the Premier League roadshow! The SSE Arena in Belfast hosts the first of 17 individual venues from Thursday 2 February with the Play-Offs returning to The O2 in London on Thursday 25 May.

Gerwyn Price admits he is still unsure whether he will return to play at the World Darts Championship. He also said he would reconsider wearing ear defenders and hoped to return to playing rugby.

The 37-year-old crashed out of the tournament at Alexandra Palace in the quarter-finals this year, losing 5-1 to German Gabriel Clemens.

The loss dropped him from number one to fourth in the PDC Order of Merit and he wrote on social media afterwards that he could no longer play in the tournament, which he is still considering.

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Relive the most memorable moments from the 2023 World Darts Championship including Smith’s nine-darter, Price wearing ear defenders and more!

Speaking ahead of the Bahrain Darts Masters, Price told BBC Sport Wales: “Obviously, it’s disappointing to go out in the quarter-finals the last two years.

“If I had been given a fair and square chance in the game, the result could have been different.

“If I’m going to leave the tournament in the quarter-finals or the last 16, it’s useless for me to even turn up. So if I can do well all year, and if I can win a couple of majors, then I don’t have to go, you don’t know. “

The quarter-final was also remembered for Price’s decision to wear ear defenders when he returned to the stage at 3-1. ‘The Iceman’ said he would consider wearing it again in a match.

“It makes me focus and sort of drowns out any minute sound around you, like one or two people shouting out or some boos or whistles when you’re going in double,” said Welshman Price.

“But when I put it in, the whole crowd started, so it was the opposite of what I wanted.

“I’m not saying I won’t use him again, but I hope the crowd understands that I need him to focus, I need him for the game when those guys don’t give me a fair chance.”

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Michael van Gerwen came within millimeters of a nine-darter before Michael Smith achieved the feat on his next visit to the greatest leg of all time.

Price also revealed in the interview that he is looking forward to playing rugby with his local team, Bedwellty RFC.

He has previously featured for Welsh Premiership sides Cross Keys and Neath as well as a brief spell with Glasgow Warriors in the Pro12.

“I’m not saying I won’t use him again, but I hope the crowd knows that I need him to focus, I need him to play when those guys don’t give me a fair chance.”

Gerwyn Price wears ear protection

“I would definitely put him down [boots] again in a few seasons, the only question is when I have to pick and choose the tournament,” Price said.

“I’ll beat him early on and when I get a few good ranking points, I’ll lose one or two and always ask for the shoes again.

“I’m constantly on the road so it’s good to take some time off and I’ll put the property (business) on the back burner because it’s a bit stressful.

“So I’m going to relax when I get home and hopefully enjoy a game or two of rugby which I really miss, I hope.

“I hope I stay unharmed.”

The new Premier League Darts season kicks off at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Thursday, February 2, the first of 17 individual venues to host the 2023 Premier League, which will be held on Thursday nights in February until May – live on Sky Sports!