PRICE PICKS FARM OVER WALES FOR WORLD CUP

GERWYN PRICE has pulled out of the World Cup because he wants to work on his FARM.

The Iceman was due to partner up with Jonny Clayton and the pair have enjoyed huge success together, winning in 2020 and 2023 while also reaching THREE further finals.

But Price has opted to skip the event, with world No.61 Nick Kenny now drafted in for his tournament debut.

Sky Sports presenter James believes the relentless darts calendar has simply left Price desperate for time away from the sport.

She told the Love the Darts Podcast: “So having a week off for a player, I think it is monumental. It is such a huge thing with the schedule.

“I think he just literally wants to have a week off to work on his farm. That is literally it.

“It is what every young Welsh kid wants — they want to put on the Welsh jersey.

“As significant as that is, it is this week that has to take the hit.”

South African darts stalwart Devon Petersen believes Gerwyn Price could be struggling away from the oche after recently opening up about health concerns.

The world No.7 withdrew from the International Darts Open last weekend before also pulling out of Tuesday’s UK Open Pool event just two hours before play was due to begin.

Petersen added: “I think a lot of the countries have been celebrating the fact that — not that Nick Kenny isn’t great — but just Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton.

“It’s because the event itself, the Premier League, is the exhibition of the PDC.

“When you look at it, they finish this, then two weeks later they play another exhibition.

“Then you go onto the World Matchplay. What we are looking at now, the World Cup isn’t important for the players coming from the Premier League.

“Maybe not. The ones that actually want to stay in form and compete and win those trophies, then yes it is.

“Gerwyn Price is now approaching it very differently. It’s something I didn’t expect from him because he is very Welsh.

“But we don’t know — there is maybe some serious concern on his side and he is weighing his options. Do I take this opportunity when I am not fully fit?

“Do I let everybody down in Wales or do I step aside and give someone else a chance, which is also another honourable move.”