PRICE DISMISSES LITTLER PSYCHOLOGICAL EDGE

GERWYN PRICE insists his struggles against Luke Littler are nowhere near the mental battle he once faced with Michael van Gerwen.

‘The Iceman’ has lost his last six meetings with the teen sensation, including a dramatic collapse in Dublin on Night Seven of the Premier League.

World No.8 Price looked set for victory in the final after storming into a 5-0 lead, only to be pegged back and beaten 6-5 in a stunning turnaround. 

The Welshman suffered another defeat last week in Berlin, going down 6-4 to Littler in the semi-final. 

Price famously endured a difficult early run against Michael van Gerwen, failing to win any of their first eight meetings on tour. 

However, the former world champion has dismissed any comparisons and rejected suggestions that Littler holds the same psychological edge. 

He said: “I don’t think the situation is anything near what it was with Michael [van Gerwen]. 

“I’ve been in winning positions, it’s just games that I have lost. Not because I am overthinking, just because of the way the game has gone. 

“If I played Luke [Littler] today, if I played him tomorrow, I’d be more confident that I’m going to win. 

“It’s nothing — nowhere near like it was against Michael. It was a mental battle. It was something I hadn’t done ever, I don’t think, so it was tough for me to get over the winning line. 

“[It’s] nowhere near that with Luke at the minute, I don’t think.” 

Price currently sits third in the Premier League after a strong start, highlighted by his Night Two victory in Antwerp. 

The seven-time major winner is set to face Luke Humphries on Night Nine in Manchester as he looks to further strengthen his push for a play-off spot.

Image by Taylor Lanning.