PRICE: I HOPE VAN VEEN CAN’T THROW!

GERWYN PRICE has vowed to show Gian van Veen “no mercy” ahead of their Premier League clash in Berlin.

‘The Giant’ withdrew from the major tournament last week in Dublin after needing surgery to remove kidney stones. 

But the Ally Pally finalist has made the trip to Germany on Night Eight despite feeling fatigued and low on energy from his op. 

World No. 8 Price looks in no mood for sympathy, as he aims to stay on course for a crucial play-off position. 

He said: “I’m up there to win. I am up there not to show mercy to anyone. 

“Hopefully he’s medically fine. I hope he can’t throw darts. I will go out there to try and win. 

“I have never had kidney stones but I have heard how tough and painful it can be. Fair play to him to get back as quick as he can. 

“I know how tough it is to miss tournaments and having to let points slip. 

“It’s not easy and it’s not something you want to do. 

“I messaged him to say: ‘Maybe you should take another week off and chill out a little bit!’ 

“He saw the funny side of it but I’m glad he’s back and I’m looking forward to playing him.

“It’s the same approach as against Josh Rock. I knew he had been struggling in the Premier League but I know how well he can play. 

“I went and played in Dublin as if I was playing the best version of Josh Rock. That’s what I’ll do against Gian.

“Michael [van Gerwen] has had days off where he’s been ill. Gian’s been off and was ill. 

“I missed out on a tournament after one of the Premier League nights. I was suffering from a bad back and took some time off.” 

Price has been in brilliant form this year reaching back-to-back major semi-finals and winning the Players Championship Six title.

Image by Taylor Lanning.