PRICE BLASTED AFTER LATE INTERNATIONAL DARTS OPEN WITHDRAWAL

GERWYN PRICE has been accused of “not giving a damn about anything” after withdrawing late from the International Darts Open.

Former pro Vincent van der Voort slammed Price for pulling out of the Euro Tour event only after the draw had already been made last week.

World No7 Price skipped the tournament in Germany to focus on Finals Night at the O2 Arena, while he has also been dealing with health issues.

But Van der Voort questioned why the Welshman waited until the last minute to step away despite already knowing he had qualified for the play-offs.

He told the Darts Draait Door Podcast: “He already knew for a week that he was in that final night, didn’t he?

“Why do you have to withdraw just after the draw? You weren’t planning on going anyway, so why not just cancel earlier?

“With him, you just never know. He cancels at the last minute so often.

“It’s not just with this; he also cancels demos at the last minute so someone else has to be called in.”

The Dutch Destroyer accused Price of acting only when it benefits him, while also claiming organisers continue to tolerate the behaviour because of his star power.

He added: “He does everything whenever it suits him. He doesn’t give a damn about anything.

“But of course, it is just crazy. He could have done it before the draw. It’s really not like he only decided after that match I’m not going.”

Price’s withdrawal handed an unexpected second-round spot to Christian Kist, although the former BDO World Champ was then beaten by Ryan Joyce.

Van der Voort admitted the situation worked out nicely for Kist, but insisted the late change was unfair on supporters overall.

He said: “It is an advantage for Kist, so that is nice for us Dutch people, but I think it is just worthless for the general public.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.