PRICE STORMS TO PREMIER LEAGUE NIGHT TWO GLORY

GERWYN PRICE insists that winning the Premier League is his “top priority” after taking the night two glory.

‘The Iceman’ kickstarted his campaign with a nail-biting 6-5 win over Gian van Veen before repeating the scoreline to see off Jonny Clayton in the semi-final.

World No.11 Price averaged 104.44 to defeat Michael van Gerwen 6-3 in the final at Antwerp. 

Price picked up the £10,000 top prize and admitted he had been feeling the pressure after failing to pick up a victory last week. 

He said: “I started off really slow and edgy, losing the first game last week, then you want to get off to a good start. 

“I thought I played decent second game, even though Jonny [Clayton] managed to pinch a few legs. 

“I thought I played well in the final but I was up against it. I know I am playing well but you still have to do it on the big stage. 

“It doesn’t always happen like in the first game. Gian [van Veen] had a shot at the bull to beat me and it could have been a different story where I was sent home with another loss. 

“I came through that one and it gave me a bit of confidence. I played fantastic in Germany but it is trying to do it on the main stage.

“Towards the end I did and I tried to focus. It was great, just to get two points I was happy. Five points even better and ten grand! 

“Losing the first game last week and having two darts to win the match, you need to get off to a good start so you ease the pressure. 

“Last year you saw it was Stephen Bunting. I think he has probably done it to himself again being 4-0 up and losing that game. 

“If you get points early you settle in and pick up points a bit easier. I’m relaxed now so I’m dangerous.” 

Price reckons he is playing the best darts of his life and is confident it won’t be long before he lands another major crown. 

He added: “I think I am playing some of the best stuff I have played. I’m just not winning tournaments. 

“That will come if I keep playing the way I can. There is no way I can’t pick up a major, pick up a ProTour, Europeans.

“I just need to empty as much as I can and keep rolling. Averages are just for show. If you play well with your darts you win matches and tournaments. I am going to get some.”

Price revealed the Premier League is now his number one focus. 

He continued: “Ranking points are the main priority. But turning up in front of crowds and picking up points, that’s what gives you confidence heading into ProTours and Europeans.

“This is top of the priority at the minute.”

MVG swept aside a below-par Josh Rock 6-2, with the Northern Irishman slumping to a 79.34 average as he appeared to struggle with his grip throughout. 

Van Gerwen fired in a superb 100.70 average and hit four 180s to see off Luke Littler 6-4 in the semi-final. 

Littler averaged an impressive 105.16 and survived three match darts to edge out Luke Humphries 6-5 in a dramatic quarter-final. 

Clayton reeled off six legs on the spin to overturn Stephen Bunting 6-4 in their opener.