Price admits cold conditions left him “uncomfortable” at Aussie Masters

GERWYN PRICE admits he was left “uncomfortable” by the cold conditions at the Australian Darts Masters.

The world No4 beat Simon Whitlock 6-2 in Wollongong but averaged just 87.58 in a below-par display.

Price, 41, arrived in superb form after reaching the New Zealand Masters final last week and the World Matchplay final.

But the Welshman admitted he struggled to get going against the Wizard and even called for the temperature to be turned up.

He told Darts Downunder: “I got the nickname the Iceman, but today I actually felt like the Iceman up there. I was cold.

“You can bring as many excuses as you want, but I was uncomfortable up there today and it showed.

“I didn’t play particularly well, but the main thing is I got the win and I am into the next round.

“Hopefully they put the heating on.”

Price also praised the crowd at the WIN Entertainment Centre and admitted their support can bring out the best in him.

He added: “I thought they were pretty good, but sometimes when I am up against it and they are on my back, I play that little bit better.

“They were good for me and good for Simon in patches as well.”

The former world champion will face Josh Rock for a place in the semi-finals of the World Series event.

Price is bidding to claim his third title of the season, having already lifted the European Darts Grand Prix and Players Championship Six.

Words: Aaron Nijjar