Gerwyn Price Would Love To Play Every Tournament In Cardiff Following His Success In The Premier League

I spoke to Gerwyn Price following his successful night at Cardiff.

Wales deserves plenty more nights at the Darts insists former World number one Gerwyn Price who won Night Two of the Cazoo Premier League Darts in Cardiff.

But the Markham Ace will certainly look to savour the Welsh support he received in Cardiff as he aims to kickstart his battle to win his first Premier League title.

Fans love a pantomime villain to poke fun at and use their energy harassing during their performances across all sports, just look at the likes of Craig Bellamy, Jose Mourinho, Mitchell Johnson and Owen Farrell.

Sport falls within the performance industry, with fans hoping for thrills and entertainment from top class sport. But Gerwyn Price has had to develop a thick skin, having been on the receiving end of several years of constant abuse from Darts supporters.

So, it was a welcome respite when Price returned to Wales to play in the second round of the Cazoo Premier League Darts in Cardiff, the only top-level darts event to be held in Wales.

The crowd was in great voice, supporting its two countrymen Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price. Calon Lan, Hymms and Arias and Yma o Hyd were filling the room alongside the colour red.

Following his win in Cardiff Price said: “To come home and get the win was pretty special. I didn’t start off too well against Chris (Dobey) and I didn’t play particularly well against Michael (van Gerwyn). I played a bit better against Nathan (Aspinall), so it was definitely the crowd that won me this tonight!

“I am going to take in every tiny drop of emotion from that crowd going forward. It was a brilliant night and the crowd were fantastic for me.

“I don’t get that support every week and sometimes it gives you a bit of added pressure, I didn’t know what to expect to be honest.

“When they started shouting my name and cheering me and jeering against the other players it just helped me and am just grateful I got the win and I am looking forward to the next 14 weeks where I am where I am probably not going to get such a good reception.

“Every walk on, every dart I threw, every double that went in the crowd were right behind me. Every double the crowd was against my opponent but that’s what I get every week.

“It’s only once a year I get that, and I appreciate every moment I can get, it was a great moment for me.”

The Ferret fell to a second first round defeat against the current World Campion Michael Smith, putting the pressure on fellow countrymen Price to provide a moment to remember for all the Welsh fans in attendance.

Price edged past Chris Dobey 6-5 in the first round before holding off a spirited comeback from Michael van Gerwen to win 6-5 in a thrilling semi-final in the Welsh capital. The pressure was on going into the final on the night, but Price eased past Nathan Aspinall 6-3 sending the home fans into raptures.

Ther former world number one hadn’t been a million miles away from contention in the past few weeks, reaching two finals in the World Series in Bahrain and Denmark.

But Price insists that he is ready to re-find his old form after overcoming illness which scuppered his chances at the masters to win the second night of the Premier League in Cardiff.

“Nathan (Aspinall) told me after the game he doesn’t know how I put up with the abuse because it can be quite hostile. For the last few years, I’ve had to deal with that hostility and it is really difficult,” added the … year-old.

“I didn’t play particularly well against Michael (van Gerwyn); I was 5-3 up and he could have easily won 6-5. The crowd definitely won me that game. He mentioned that when we came back in, I understand that feeling, with the crowd putting you off, it is easy to miss a couple of doubles. I’ve had plenty of that over the years.

“This week has probably come at a good time for me, I’ve taken a week off the pro tours after Cardiff. I just needed a little break and get away for a little bit and come back.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the pro tour, it’s where you find your sharpness. As much as I hate going to them, it’s the best place to find your form. Hopefully after a night like Cardiff and a little break will help me in the weeks to come.

“Before I got ill and before the Master’s I was playing some good darts, but since a couple of tough weeks I can definitely take that winning feeling going forward.

“I’ve not been myself the past few weeks but definitely the next few weeks I will be able to find my feet again, I can’t keep playing badly, so I am confident going into the next few weeks.”