PRICE ADMITS TO LACK OF BELIEF AND BIG MATCH DOUBTS

GERWYN PRICE admits he still doubts himself in big matches as he looks to end his wait for another major title.

‘The Iceman’ returns to action on Thursday evening and takes on Luke Humphries in the Premier League at Newcastle. 

World No. 12 Price last lifted a PDC Premier event in 2022 at the World Series Finals and has come agonisingly close on several occasions since.

Price believes a breakthrough victory at a televised tournament could trigger a run of silverware. 

He said: “I don’t think it’s far off. I just need a bit more belief in myself. I sometimes still doubt myself in big matches.  

“But that’ll come with winning. Once one major comes, they’ll come thick and fast. It’s just getting that first one again. 

“I know I can win matches. On the Pro Tour it comes easy because I’ve won there recently.  

“I don’t doubt my ability — I know I can win matches. On the Pro Tour it comes easy because I’ve won there recently.  

“But when you haven’t won a major for a while, you probably try a bit too hard.” 

The Markham thrower has had several close encounters with teenage sensation Luke Littler, most recently losing their World Masters semi-final after missing a match dart. 

He added: “That format is difficult anyway — if anything, it can be a bit of a leveller.  

“The game against Luke could’ve gone either way. Even the final between both Lukes could’ve gone either way. It was nip and tuck right to the end. 

“I think Luke’s had a bit of luck on his side recently, but hopefully that’ll change.” 

Price opened up on the moment that made him develop a positive mindset at the oche and is looking forward to having the crowd on his side in the Toon. 

He continued: “Missing the Grand Slam two years ago really hit me.  

“I was sat in the house for ten days not knowing what to do with myself. I realised I needed to be more positive when I’m away.  

“I used to think when I was away I wanted to be home, and when I was home I wanted to be away.  

“Missing that tournament gave me a kick up the backside. When I’m away now, I want to give 110 per cent and stay positive. 

“There will still be venues where I’m up against it — if I’m playing Luke Littler in Manchester or Luke Humphries in Leeds, for example.  

“Hopefully not if I’m playing Jonny [Clayton] in Cardiff. I’m just looking forward to getting out there and hopefully getting that support again.

“It’s a lot easier when you’ve got support. If someone’s heckling or booing you when you’re on doubles to win matches, it adds pressure.  

“It’s nice just to be able to throw darts without that.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.