A tense confrontation erupted at the World Matchplay darts tournament on Monday evening, when Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney engaged in a heated exchange following their first-round match in Blackpool.
The Welsh player secured a 10-7 victory, but the conclusion was marred by an aggressive handshake and verbal altercation between the two competitors.
After Price sealed his win with a double 12 finish, he unleashed his characteristic roar and wild celebration.
Gurney responded by mimicking his opponent's gestures, which Price noticed immediately.
Getty
|Daryl Gurney was seen mimicking Gerwyn Price's trademark celebration
The pair then shared what observers described as an unfriendly handshake, continuing to exchange words whilst acknowledging match officials.
The friction between the players intensified during the ninth leg when Gurney grew frustrated with Price's loud reactions and began imitating the Welshman's behaviour.
This mimicry marked a turning point in the match's atmosphere, with Price subsequently restraining his typical emotional displays.
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Sky Sports, PDC
|After the game ended, the pair had a heated handshake followed by stern words
The 2019 world champion maintained his composure for the remainder of the contest, suppressing his reactions until securing the winning dart.
Only then did Price release his pent-up emotions, delivering an enormous roar and enthusiastic celebration to the Blackpool crowd, which further inflamed tensions as the players left the stage.
Price later revealed his strategy of emotional restraint, saying: "I just felt like I needed to keep myself composed. Sometimes I was forcing not to let my emotions get the best of me."
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The Welshman declined to discuss the incident during his press conference, stating: "I've learnt to try and keep my emotions in tact at key points sometimes."
This marks the second notable confrontation between the pair, following a 2019 Premier League encounter where they exchanged shoves and words.
Despite feeling he struggled during the match, Price maintained a respectable average of approximately 100, acknowledging there was "a lot more in the tank."
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We've reached boiling point in Blackpool! 🌡️#MatchplayDarts pic.twitter.com/aSvZ5deW0c
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 21, 2025
Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle defended the confrontation, stating: "It's all childish. At the end when it kind of got a physical handshake, I think it's better than cuddling to be fair.
"It's professional sport. I haven't got a problem with it at all."
Mardle characterised the incident as "kids will be kids" and noted "there was a lot of machismo up there."
Mark Webster suggested Price told Gurney "well played, buddy" during their exchange, whilst emphasising the match itself was "a brilliant game."
Spectators responded positively online, with one declaring "the game is well and truly back," whilst another defended Price's reaction to being mocked.