Welsh darts star Gerwyn Price has issued a supremely confident declaration of intent after launching his PDC World Darts Championship campaign with a crushing victory, boldly stating that nobody will beat him at Alexandra Palace this year.
The Iceman's Perfect Start
Price, known as 'The Iceman', began his quest for a second world title in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night, dismantling Czech qualifier Adam Gawlas 3-0 in a one-sided affair. The 40-year-old from Markham averaged a solid 96.44 to secure a swift passage into the second round, where he will face Dutchman Wesley Plaisier as the heavy favourite.
Speaking immediately after his whitewash win, Price left no room for doubt about his ambitions. 'I am winning, honest, I’m not losing. Nobody’s beating me this year,' he stated. The world number nine arrived at the tournament widely considered a serious contender, though behind the two pre-event favourites, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
Blocking Out the Noise and Self-Belief
Price revealed he deliberately avoids external chatter before major events to maintain focus. 'To be honest I don’t mind. I delete my social media before big tournaments, just get in my own little bubble,' he said regarding the pre-tournament predictions that often overlook him.
His confidence stems purely from self-belief. 'I believe in my own talent and my own ability. If people are saying that then fair play to them,' Price added. 'I just believe I’m going to win this tournament, I don’t care what the obstacles are in front of me. I know it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be very tough, whoever I play. But I’m definitely coming through every game.'
A Mission to Prove It in Front of a Crowd
Price's sole World Championship triumph came in 2021, a unique edition played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He admits that victory, achieved in an empty arena without family present, feels "a little bit fake" and is driven by a desire to conquer the sport's biggest stage with all its traditional pressures.
'I won in 2021 with nobody there, no crowd, no family, no nothing,' Price reflected. 'I want to do it again and prove to myself that I can do it with a crowd, with the pressures. The added pressures of the crowd and the atmosphere. It’ll be a little bit better.'
Wade Warns Against a Two-Man Race
Elsewhere, veteran James 'The Machine' Wade prepared for his own first-round match against Japan's Ryusei Azemoto on Wednesday night. Wade cautioned against viewing the tournament as a foregone conclusion for the two Lukes – Littler and Humphries.
'I think it’s clear that Luke and Luke are the two best players in the world. That’s not hard to work out and they’re both playing the best darts,' Wade conceded. 'But I think it’s quite rude to the other darts players to say: "Oh, it’s going to be Luke and Luke." I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s not both of them in the final.'
The evening session on Wednesday December 17 begins at 7pm, featuring Matt Campbell against Adam Sevada, with no afternoon play scheduled.
