Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Gerwyn Price Triumphs at Players Championship 9 Amidst Banter with James Wade
World number four Gerwyn Price secured victory at Players Championship 9, adding to his impressive darts season. Prior to his win, Price playfully teased fellow professional James Wade, suggesting Wade’s early exit was a deliberate move to avoid a match-up with him. Wade, however, may offer a different perspective on his 6-3 defeat to Brendan Dolan in the round of 16 on Monday, and his true feelings regarding a potential contest with Price.
Price Jests About Wade’s Early Tournament Exit
Unperturbed, Price seized the opportunity to playfully mock his friend Wade, whom he was on course to meet later in the competition had Wade progressed further in Leicester. ‘The Iceman’ continued his strong performance, ultimately winning the tournament after a dominant semi-final victory over Dolan, followed by a decisive win against Ian White in the final match.
Following his championship win, Price recounted his pre-tournament exchange with Wade: “Even though I wasn’t feeling my best this morning, I sat with James Wade and confidently stated, ‘I’m winning today’. He countered, mentioning he was in my half of the draw. As the day progressed and game after game unfolded, he ultimately lost to Brendan Dolan. I then joked with James, ‘You were scared to face me today, that’s why you lost.'”
Good-Natured Rivalry Between Darts Professionals
Price appreciates Wade’s ability to accept playful ribbing as well as he delivers it, a characteristic they share as competitors known for their passionate natures. ‘The Machine’ will undoubtedly be seeking to gain an advantage over the Welshman in their next encounter.
Victory Achieved Despite Lingering Injury
Price’s triumph at Players Championship 9 is made more notable considering he was still managing the effects of an injury that had hampered his performance in the Premier League the previous week, where he suffered a quarter-final loss to Rob Cross.
Premier League Focus Shifts to Berlin
“I was somewhat frustrated with my performance in the Premier League last week,” Price admitted. “I had been dealing with a minor injury, which I have since addressed. I didn’t feel entirely comfortable at the start of today’s tournament. My performance was inconsistent – moments of strong play followed by lapses in confidence. However, I persevered and battled through.”
He added, “In the past, I might have conceded those matches, but I remained resilient and ultimately secured the win. This victory provides a significant confidence boost for tomorrow’s matches and the upcoming Premier League week.”
Early Exit in Players Championship 10
However, Price’s winning streak was short-lived. He experienced an early setback in Players Championship 10 on Tuesday. The 40-year-old faced an initial defeat, losing 6-4 to Dylan Slevin in his opening match. This result has refocused his attention on the Premier League, which is scheduled to continue at the Uber Arena in Berlin later this week.
Play-off Position in Premier League
Currently holding two nightly wins, Price occupies fourth position in the Premier League standings, maintaining a place within the play-off qualification spots. However, Rob Cross and Nathan Aspinall are close behind, adding pressure to his position as the competition intensifies.