Gerwyn Price withdraws from tournament at last minute days after blasting darts chiefs in furious rant

Callum Vurley
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:17:12 +0000

Gerwyn Price has pulled out of Players Championship 8 at the eleventh hour, with confirmation coming on Tuesday afternoon that the Welsh star wouldn't be competing in Leicester.

The former world champion was set to take to the oche at the Mattioli Arena, but withdrew just hours before play was due to begin.

It means the 41-year-old joins a notable list of big names sitting this one out, with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries also absent from the tournament.

The timing is particularly interesting given Price's very public frustration with darts officials just days ago following the Premier League event in Berlin.

Price took to Instagram after his semi-final defeat to Littler at the Uber Arena, and he didn't hold back about the playing environment in the German capital.

"So bloody frustrating. Luke's playing really well at the moment. But to have to play in such shocking conditions it's so bloody hard," he wrote.

The Welshman went on to suggest sarcastically that it might be "easier to play on the beach front outdoors every week so we know what to expect."

He also complained that "nothing's ever done" about the issues he's raised.

The exact nature of his grievance wasn't entirely clear, though some have speculated he was unhappy about a breeze circulating inside the 17,000-capacity venue.

Price has also made his feelings known about potential changes to the Premier League format, particularly the idea of reintroducing challengers.

"I think that would be totally unfair," he said, explaining that different players would face opponents of varying standards.

"One person could play Fallon Sherrock, someone could play Chris Dobey, someone could play Luke Humphries, like I did."

He also pointed out issues with the current setup, noting it's "a little bit repetitive" and that players who miss a week through illness effectively gift points to their opponents.

Meanwhile, Ryan Searle will be looking to claim consecutive titles in Leicester after triumphing at Players Championship 7 on Monday evening.

The 36-year-old reached the World Championship semi-finals earlier this year.