Mardle dismisses Price retirement talk

WAYNE MARDLE insists Gerwyn Price is “desperate” to win more major titles and dismissed talk of him retiring from darts.

The world No4 suffered another major final heartbreak on Sunday when Luke Humphries fought back from 3-0 down to beat him 6-4 in the World Grand Prix decider.

Price, 41, has now reached THREE PDC Premier event finals this season but has fallen short in all of them.

The Markham thrower lost to Luke Littler in the World Matchplay final before Ross Smith denied him in the World Series Finals decider in Amsterdam.

And with Price still waiting for another TV title after his last triumph in 2022, there have been questions over how much longer he will continue chasing the biggest prizes.

But former pro Mardle believes the former world champion is nowhere near ready to walk away and insists his disappointment proves he still has the hunger to win.

He told [William Hill](https://sports.williamhill.com/betting/en-gb/darts/competitions/pdc-world-darts-championship/outrights): “I don’t think Gerwyn Price will give up. He’s a born winner and was just disappointed after the final.

“He talked about making changes during last week to make sure he wins. He’s desperate to, and I can see him winning more tournaments.

“I even tipped him to win the World Grand Prix final!”

Price insisted he was not bothered by another defeat, claiming after his loss to Humphries that he was more focused on enjoying life away from the oche.

He said: “Like I said last week I don’t care. I’m enjoying darts. I’m enjoying life.

“I’m going to be a farmer. I don’t give a s*** like. Luke [Humphries] is a great player. I am earning a great living. I have the best family. I don’t mind.”

But while Price may have played down his latest setback, his form throughout 2026 suggests another major title could be within reach.

The Welshman has reached at least the semi-finals of every PDC Premier event this year and has continued to collect silverware on the ProTour.

Price lifted Players Championship Six before adding the European Darts Grand Prix to his haul.

Image: Taylor Lanning