Darts ace dismisses Price’s Premier League snub threat as “nonsense”

GERWYN PRICE snubbing the Premier League next year is “nonsense”, according to Vincent van der Voort.

The Welshman revealed he could turn down a place in the 2027 roadshow after admitting becoming a grandfather could shift his focus away from darts.

Price, 41, climbed back to World No4 after reaching the World Matchplay final and is expected to secure an automatic invitation.

The Iceman has enjoyed another impressive season, winning two ranking titles and reaching the semi-finals of both the UK Open and World Masters.

But with his daughter expecting a baby at the end of January, Price admitted family life could take priority over another gruelling Premier League campaign.

However, former pro Van der Voort believes the lure of one of darts’ biggest events will be too strong for the former world champion to ignore.

He told the Darts Draait Door podcast: “I know that kind of nonsense by now.

“I've heard him say, ‘I'm not doing it next year,’ so many times.

“He'll be playing in the Premier League next year.”

The Dutchman insists the financial rewards and exposure that come with the tournament make it impossible for top players to turn down.

He added: “That tournament is too big to miss.

“For sponsors, for exhibitions, for your market value, for everything.

“And there's still a huge amount of money to be earned.”

The Premier League winner pockets a staggering £350,000, making it the second-biggest prize on the PDC calendar behind only the World Championship.

Price reached the semi-finals this year before narrowly losing 10-9 to Luke Littler, banking a huge £110,000 in prize money.

He also claimed two nightly wins during the tournament, taking his overall earnings from the event to £130,000.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning