PRICE CRAVING CARDIFF SUCCESS

By Aaron Nijjar  

GERWYN PRICE says he would “swap 15 wins for one win” in front of a home crowd in Cardiff on Night Seven of the Premier League. 

The ‘Iceman’ has a brilliant record in Wales as he reached the final last year in the Welsh Capital before losing out to Michael Smith. 

Former World champion Price made it a night to remember on his homecoming in 2023, as he celebrated wins over Chris Dobey, Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall to claim victory on the night.  

World No. 10 Price currently sits third in the Premier League table after securing night wins in Dublin and Nottingham. 

Price admits he thrives under the pressure to perform in his home country and would cherish a win.

He said: “Wales is going to be a lot of pressure on me. The crowd were against me last week.  

“Sometimes I thrive on that. But when the crowd are with you, it is even tougher. 

“It doesn’t matter where I play, I am under so much pressure in Cardiff. 

“People can boo me or do whatever they want wherever they are in the world, but I don’t feel as much pressure as I do when I am in Cardiff.  

“I really want to perform. When I am under pressure, I do perform so fingers crossed next week will be good as well. 

“I’d swap 15 wins for one win in Cardiff. As long as I qualify, it doesn’t make a difference.”  

Seven-time major winner Price has been open about his mental approach to the game and working with a sports psychologist to develop a more positive mindset. 

He added: “In the past I have been negative on myself. Before the Worlds, I had a bit of help with a sports psychologist, trying to put my mind in the right place.  

“Sometimes I might say I am enjoying it, loving it, but in the background it’s tough. The travelling and everything. 

“I am glad to get another win over Luke [Littler] – because I don’t think it will last long.

“I am enjoying the game at the minute. Yes, I am winning, and it breeds confidence, makes me feel a bit better.  

“Even though I lost my first game, I kept positive, no points in Exeter and Brighton; every time I play in England, I hadn’t picked up points.

“I am so happy to win. I am positive and that is why I am playing so well. 

“If you are negative in this sport, you get more negative results. I have found that in the last couple of years and try to be as positive as I can. 

“I am in and out of form. I will play well and then get to the quarter-finals and drop off.  

“In 2021-22, I was more consistent, winning tournaments, less thinking, maybe chasing more.” 

The Markham thrower clinched victories over Stephen Bunting, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler last time out to win Night Six and claim five points and the nightly £10,000 prize.

Price will face Rob Cross tonight (Thursday) in the quarter-final.  

Image by Taylor Lanning.