DARTS ACE BELIEVES GURNEY MOCKED PRICE AND SPARKED ROW
22/07/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
DARYL GURNEY was trying to “mock” Gerwyn Price and “create an issue” during their fiery World Matchplay clash, according to Chris Mason.
World No. 9 Price defeated his big rival 10-7 in the opening round at the Winter Gardens.
But tempers began to flare from the ninth leg of the bout as Gurney became irate with Price’s big roars and reactions and began to imitate the Welshman.
Seven-times major winner Price kept his emotions under wraps until he hit the winning dart of D12 and let out a massive roar and gave a huge celebration to the crowd.
The pair then shared what was a very unfriendly handshake and frosty conversation at the conclusion of their match.
Former UK Open quarter-finalist Mason believes the confrontation was no accident and claimed Gurney was playing games from the start.
He said: “There were certain things in there where Daryl was trying to create an issue and mock Pricey for his celebrations and just poking the bear.
“He was poking the bear and pushing the horse.
“I’m not sure what reaction or response he was expecting from Gezzy in the end.
“If you want to play that game and play that atmosphere, you are going to get the reaction you should get.
“Gerwyn won’t take that — and why should he?
“It amuses me — I see it so much — that the instigator wants to play the victim and go ‘what was wrong with him?’
“There were loads of little things that were gamesmanship. But then don’t complain afterwards if you’re going to get a frosty handshake.”
Former European Champ Paul Nicholson also weighed in and suggested Gurney crossed the line of sportsmanship.
He added: “There is an etiquette in this sport that some people break, and some people like to adhere to.
“The one thing we all like to adhere to is you don’t walk across someone’s line when they are facing the board.
“Daryl did that and he knows he did it. Everything he did was on purpose because this was one of those emotionally charged games.
“Maybe we didn’t expect it because of the respect after the World Cup final — but I didn’t mind it whatsoever.”
Price returns to action on Wednesday in Blackpool when he faces Chris Dobey.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
