Price admits holding back celebrations has spoiled his natural game

GERWYN PRICE admits holding back his trademark celebrations "spoils" his game.

The world No7 revealed he has been stopping himself from roaring and pumping his fists during recent tournaments but believes it has affected the way he plays.

Price, 43, is now ready to let the old version of himself return as he bids to continue his World Matchplay run against Ross Smith in the quarter-finals.

He told talkSPORT: "Sometimes I overthink and I hold myself in. I stop myself from doing it and then it spoils my game.

"It is like I am not natural. I don’t know, maybe on Friday I let the old me back, hopefully, and play just as well as the old me can."

The Iceman has enjoyed an impressive season on the big stage, reaching back-to-back major semi-finals at the World Masters and UK Open.

But Price is still searching for his first major title since lifting the Players Championship Finals trophy in 2022.

His focus has now shifted towards maintaining his place among the sport’s elite.

He added: "It is some vital ranking points on the board as well. As long as I can stay in the top eight I am happy. Just move on from that."

Price is looking to lift the Phil Taylor trophy for the first time after coming agonisingly close three years ago, losing 18-14 to Michael van Gerwen in the 2022 final.

The Markham thrower believes he produced the best darts of anyone in that tournament but was denied by Van Gerwen’s ability to deliver when the pressure was at its highest.

He continued: "I have lost in the final of this one, which I was gutted with, playing some of the best darts at the time.

"I think in 2022 I was the best player in the tournament. But Michael performs when he needs to in finals like a great champion and pipped me in that one.

"Hopefully, I have the opportunity in another final and I can win it and play some of my best stuff."

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning