PRICE BECOMES GRANDAD FOR FIRST TIME

GERWYN PRICE is entering a new chapter away from the oche as he prepares to become a grandad for the first time.

The Welshman, 43, welcomed the exciting news after eldest daughter Emily shared a “Baby Williams” ultrasound scan on Instagram.

Former world champ Price wasted no time embracing his latest role, sharing his first official mission with fans as he went shopping for newborn clothes.

The Iceman has previously spoken about the importance of family away from the bright lights, with his priorities shifting beyond the sport in recent times.

Price has been balancing his career after recently buying acres of farmland in Treharris, where he plans to eventually settle with his wife and children.

The world No7 joked throwing sheep instead of darts has not helped his form after surviving a World Matchplay scare on Monday evening.

Price came back from 6-2 down to beat Martin Schindler 11-9 in Blackpool after admitting it was his worst display of the season.

The seven-time major winner averaged 93.88 and hit 50 per cent of his doubles as he avoided a shock first-round exit at the Winter Gardens.

He said: “It doesn’t usually happen. Without the crowd I think I would have lost. They got on Martin’s back.

“I was the worst I have played all season. It goes to show throwing sheep about, instead of darts about, it doesn’t help.

“But it was a tough one for me. I have no confidence at the minute just because I haven’t played a lot.

“Just to battle through that one, I didn’t play bad in patches but in other patches I was rubbish.

“Martin was just as rubbish as me thankfully.”

Price returns to action on Wednesday and will face Rob Cross in round two at the Winter Gardens.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning