Price tells Aspinall to “just play darts” after fiery World Grand Prix clash

GERWYN PRICE told Nathan Aspinall to “just play darts” after becoming frustrated by his rival’s antics during their World Grand Prix semi-final.

The world No4 reached his THIRD consecutive major final with a 5-2 victory over Aspinall in Leicester.

Aspinall, 35, was involved in an exchange with a member of the crowd during the contest, telling the fan to be quiet.

But Price felt the support inside the arena was largely behind his opponent and was annoyed by Aspinall’s actions.

He said: “I thought the crowd were a little bit mutual. Nathan was complaining about the crowd but they were on his side.

“I’m 3-0 up, I go back and said to Nathan they are on your side, bud, come on, stop performing on the board and just play darts.

“I was a little bit upset with him. I said, Nath, they are on your side, I am up against it.

“As good as the crowd is for me, they were all for him. He was performing a bit on stage. I told him I wasn’t happy.

“I’m good friends with Nathan but sometimes you just have to let your darts go.”

Former world champ Price admitted the drama had affected his own performance as he struggled to stay composed for much of the contest.

He added: “It did. I’m frustrated 90 per cent of that game. It’s not good.

“When the crowd was for him, I was like you can’t be playing like this. I am glad to get through the game.

“I am great friends with Nathan. But take it on the chin sometimes when you lose it.

“In patches I am playing well. When my game is there I am playing some of the best stuff in the world.

“It’s a bit frustrating in patches. This week the first game was brilliant. Against Jonny I was good in patches.

“In this game I was great in patches. I need to improve but if I lose this one I will go into the next one.

“Obviously I am bothered if I lose. But it’s not the be all and end all. I’m into another final, third one on the bounce, happy days.”

Price rattled through the opening set by winning all three legs as he averaged a stunning 109.98, while Aspinall managed just 58.54.

The Asp finally got off the mark with a classy 130 checkout, but Price remained in control and followed up by taking back-to-back sets to open up a commanding 3-0 lead.

But Aspinall launched a stunning fightback, producing a brilliant 132 finish featuring two bullseyes to claw a set back before taking another to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Price finally stopped the rot by winning consecutive legs for the first time since the third set. He then missed darts at double 10 and five to allow Aspinall to pinch a leg before holding his nerve to take out 66 and move 4-2 ahead.

The Welshman held his nerve in the final set before firing in double eight to seal victory.