KENNY FIRES BACK AT CRITICS AFTER PRICE REPLACEMENT CALL
12/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
NICK KENNY declared he “doesn’t give a monkeys” about his critics after firing Wales to a winning start at the World Cup of Darts.
The world No.61 was drafted into the side after Gerwyn Price withdrew from the tournament and has faced questions over whether he can fill the void left by the former world champion.
But Kenny answered those doubts with a composed display as Cymru thrashed Lithuania 4-1 in their Group C opener.
Four-time major winner Clayton produced superb 146 and 100 checkouts, while Kenny landed a crucial 82 finish to break throw and put Wales 2-1 ahead.
Kenny admits he is not as good as Price but believes he has the ability to step up and justify his selection.
He said: “I’m not as good as Gezzy, everyone knows that, but I can still play. When I played tonight, the 82 was a crucial part of the match.
“I had the bottle to hit the double top and we won. The only thing we wanted to do there was win because if we lose, we are probably out because Lithuania is a good team.
“They are playing Thailand and we don’t know what Thailand is going to turn up.
“I feel sorry for the Welsh fans in a way because their best two ain’t in it, but I’m the next one in and what more can I do?
“I’m just here and I am buzzing to be with Jonny.
“People are saying this, that and the other, even that Rob Owen should be in. At the end of the day, at the cut-off, Nick Kenny was third in the rankings, not Rob Owen.
“I haven’t proved anyone wrong. It’s not like we’ve beaten England or anything. We played alright, Jonny played well there and I did my bit.
“I do not give a monkeys. I am here! It is a privilege.”
The Ferret also hailed the bond between the pair, insisting their chemistry off the stage is helping them deliver on it.
He added: “This guy is brilliant. We have a laugh a minute.
“We are in the back room laughing and joking. He is one of the boys, and that is what you want.
“A team is all about how you get on with each other, and we are brilliant.
“I try to get him relaxed. It is like: ‘Come on, Nicky boy, you can do this.’
“He goes: ‘Yeah, I am going to try my best.’ And I go: ‘No, do not try your best. You know you can do it.’
“Just go up and relax. That is all it is about. You go up and play your own game.”
