‘Toys out the pram’ – Gerwyn Price hits back at rival’s claim he was ‘lucky’ to be in Premier League line-up
Gerwyn Price has responded to claims he was fortunate to be selected for the 2025 Premier League. The ‘Iceman’ had a difficult 2024 on the PDC tour, even taking a break from the sport after struggling with the demands. PDCPrice is back in form after a difficult 2024 and will play in the Premier League[/caption] But he had a strong end to the calendar year, going on a run to the quarter finals at the World Championship, where he was eliminated by Chris Dobey. As a result, the darting superstar has earned his place in the invitational Premier League tournament alongside a star-studded list of names. The line-up always generates controversy, given the four wildcard players are often selected on box-office power and profile. Mike De Decker and Dave Chisnall were two players to voice their distaste to the line-up, including the latter who claimed Price and Nathan Aspinall were ‘lucky’. Price is ranked four places below ‘Chizzy’ at No.10 on the PDC Order of Merit but has regularly lit up the stage in past versions of the 17-week arrows extravaganza. And the Welsh star has defended his selection, insisting he has every capability of performing. Speaking to talkSPORT.com exclusively before the recent Bahrain Darts Masters, he said: “Yeah I mean every player, Dave Chisnall, Mike De Decker, they always have their opinions. “They are right to have a say, but the PDC put in who they want to put in. “And I think the likes of me and Nathan have been consistent for the last 8-9 years throughout the PDC, not just the Premier League. “I had a blip, and Nathan being injured, not being involved would have been a little bit harsh I think. Chisnall has questioned Price’s inclusion given he is ranked above himGetty “Each to their own, I think winning one tournament or doing well in one event doesn’t really get you a ticket to get in. “There’s a couple of boys who have won majors and haven’t got in, so throwing your toys out of the pram doesn’t really work.” Price remains one of the biggest characters on the PDC tour, and despite not always being at the top of his game in 2024, can be deemed a real threat. In his best run on the Premier League circuit, Price reached the final in 2023, being pipped to the £275,000 prize by Michael Van Gerwen. It has already been a positive start to the year for the former world champion, who reached the final at the Bahrain Darts Masters. He eliminated Luke Littler during his route, breaking the record for the tournament’s three dart average in a stellar performance. Price was narrowly beaten in the 2023 Premier League finalGetty But he was pipped by a rampant Stephen Bunting in the final, although he will take huge confidence from his bright start to 2025. Price will hope to go one step further in this year’s Premier League, but will face fierce competition. He added: “I’ve still got a good game, I’m practicing really well. “I’m playing well now, it just hasn’t happened on stage last year. It only takes one tournament now. “I’ll be back then and flying again. So there is no reason I can’t win the tournament.”
Gerwyn Price has responded to claims he was fortunate to be selected for the 2025 Premier League.
The ‘Iceman’ had a difficult 2024 on the PDC tour, even taking a break from the sport after struggling with the demands.
But he had a strong end to the calendar year, going on a run to the quarter finals at the World Championship, where he was eliminated by Chris Dobey.
As a result, the darting superstar has earned his place in the invitational Premier League tournament alongside a star-studded list of names.
The line-up always generates controversy, given the four wildcard players are often selected on box-office power and profile.
Mike De Decker and Dave Chisnall were two players to voice their distaste to the line-up, including the latter who claimed Price and Nathan Aspinall were ‘lucky’.
Price is ranked four places below ‘Chizzy’ at No.10 on the PDC Order of Merit but has regularly lit up the stage in past versions of the 17-week arrows extravaganza.
And the Welsh star has defended his selection, insisting he has every capability of performing.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com exclusively before the recent Bahrain Darts Masters, he said: “Yeah I mean every player, Dave Chisnall, Mike De Decker, they always have their opinions.
“They are right to have a say, but the PDC put in who they want to put in.
“And I think the likes of me and Nathan have been consistent for the last 8-9 years throughout the PDC, not just the Premier League.
“I had a blip, and Nathan being injured, not being involved would have been a little bit harsh I think.
“Each to their own, I think winning one tournament or doing well in one event doesn’t really get you a ticket to get in.
“There’s a couple of boys who have won majors and haven’t got in, so throwing your toys out of the pram doesn’t really work.”
Price remains one of the biggest characters on the PDC tour, and despite not always being at the top of his game in 2024, can be deemed a real threat.
In his best run on the Premier League circuit, Price reached the final in 2023, being pipped to the £275,000 prize by Michael Van Gerwen.
It has already been a positive start to the year for the former world champion, who reached the final at the Bahrain Darts Masters.
He eliminated Luke Littler during his route, breaking the record for the tournament’s three dart average in a stellar performance.
But he was pipped by a rampant Stephen Bunting in the final, although he will take huge confidence from his bright start to 2025.
Price will hope to go one step further in this year’s Premier League, but will face fierce competition.
He added: “I’ve still got a good game, I’m practicing really well.
“I’m playing well now, it just hasn’t happened on stage last year. It only takes one tournament now.
“I’ll be back then and flying again. So there is no reason I can’t win the tournament.”
