Price plans curry celebration after ending three-year wait for major final

GERWYN PRICE has a CURRY celebration planned after ending his three-year wait for a major final.

The Markham thrower booked his place in Sunday's World Matchplay decider after seeing off Gian van Veen 17-10 with a 96.65 average at the Winter Gardens.

Price, 41, produced another composed display to move back into the world's top four and leapfrog fellow compatriot Jonny Clayton in the Order of Merit.

The former world champion admitted he has been playing some of his best darts this season but has not always been able to give the game the attention he would have liked.

He said: "Jonny Clayton, I am more happy to be Wales number one! Come on!

“It’s bragging rights. Jonny has Welsh number one for two years. But I am back.

“I think I have been in some good games this year. I lost to James Wade in the semi-final of the UK Open.

"I thought I was playing some good stuff then. The first six months of this season I have been playing really well.

"I probably haven't been playing as much as I should have, obviously with distractions back home.

"To reach the final I am happy, but the ranking as well, just to get in the top four.

"One up on my buddy Jonny!"

The Iceman revealed he put in plenty of work before the tournament but eased off during the latter stages because of the quick turnaround between matches.

He added: "I did practise a lot at the beginning of this tournament.

"Yesterday and today, I haven't practised a lot because it is a quick turnaround.

"It probably showed on the board today because I was probably a bit slower and anxious.

"I was more nervous than anything because I wanted to get back into a final and be Wales' number one."

Price will now face either Dirk van Duijvenbode or Luke Littler, who go head-to-head in the other last-four clash.

But before turning his attention to the biggest game of his year, the Welshman already has the perfect reward lined up.

He said: "I am off for a curry. Whoever wins wins, and then I will be back tomorrow."

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning