PRICE DIG AT CRITICS AFTER FINAL DEFEAT

By Phil Lanning

GERWYN PRICE had a dig at his critics after finishing runner-up in the Bahrain Masters. 

The former world champion produced a brilliant final day of performances but missed out in the final to Stephen Bunting, going down 8-4. 

Price had earlier smashed the average record with 115.31 to dump Luke Littler out of the event in the quarters. 

But then he had a light-hearted blast at those who felt he didn’t deserve a place in the Premier League. 

Price said: “Apparently me and Nathan weren’t supposed to be in the Premier League. But I think this weekend we were two of the best players, apart from Stephen.

“We all have little blips. People can write us off. I’ll come back fighting stronger than ever. I know the talent I’ve got.

“I’m getting back to my best. I’m practising well but it’s just sometimes you get up on stage and things don’t happen. 

“But I know my game is going in the right direction. Stephen has been playing fantastic for the last 12 to 18 months. 

“I missed a couple of opportunities. He took out some big checkouts which put me under pressure. I was always chasing him.

“Premier League round the corner. I think I’ll get him back. 

“I know I’m always improving week on week. It’s nice to get to the final. 

“I wanted that trophy. I’ve lost in the semis, I’ve lost in the final twice, I’ll get it next time.”