MARDLE HAILS PRICE AND GURNEY HANDSHAKE DRAMA

By Phil Lanning

WAYNE MARDLE says that the Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney spat was unbelievable “machismo”.

The Sky Sports pundit spoke for the first time about the ruck between the players at the World Matchplay on Monday night. 

Price aggressively shook Gurney’s hand after his win and then there was a backstage rumpus as the Irishman tried to confront the Welsh star. 

Mardle said: “In Daryl’s kind of defence, he will say that Gezzy started it. It was all a bit childish. 

“But then at the very end, that was one hell of a handshake by Gezzy Price. 

“It was wonderful, it was like I’ve got more testosterone than you and I’m showing it. It was one of those. The machismo is unbelievable. I like it. 

“It’s better than cuddling. It’s professional sport. I think cuddling should be banned and they have to shake hands like that!”

Former world champion Mark Webster reckons the sport requires that sort of “needle”.

He added: “The Price v Gurney had a bit of everything, it had a bit of needle. 

“They’ve had previous before in the Premier League, they are feisty characters. Gerwyn had a little bit too much for Gurney in the end.

“That’s what we want in round one. We want a bit of needle. But Price kept it all in check. He waited to the winning shot, then he gave it big. 

“Then we had the handshake that came, then all sorts of shenanigans. 

“That’s what we want to see, there’s high stakes on that stage and a lot to play for.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.