Gerwyn Price has admitted that there are “one or two characters” that fans “probably don’t favour” in the Premier League this year.
After a disappointing campaign last year, Price has returned to his form of old.
Despite finishing second-bottom of the table in 2024, the 40-year-old has already qualified for the play-offs at the London O2 in less than two weeks.
Additionally, Price has hit two spectacular nine-dart finishes, including one in Aberdeen last week, along with three nightly victories.
Gerwyn Price celebrates hitting a nine darter during his match against Stephen Bunting on night 15
PA
Should the Iceman remain in third place, he will face off against world no 1 Luke Humphries in a mouthwatering play-off semi-final tie.
Price has beaten Cool Hand in three of their five meetings this year, including The Iceman’s recent nightly win in Liverpool, where they clashed in the final.
Due to his recent success, Price has faced less scrutiny from supporters. However, in a recent interview, Price has insisted that there are still “one or two characters” that are not favoured by fans.
The Welshman is no stranger to an unsavoury reception from supporters, as he famously put a pair of ear defenders on to block out the noise in the 2023 World Championships - but it’s not a problem he has had to face this year.
Gerwyn Price famously put on a pair of ear defenders to block out the noise from the crowd
PA
"Maybe there's one or two characters in there now that the fans probably don't favour.
"So they look to go somewhere else and if they want to cheer me on and help me get over the winning line. I'm happy with that.
"I think there's a couple of characters in the Premier League that some venues don't really like as well."
Recently, Luke Littler faced some hostility from the Leeds crowd, as his allegiances lie firmly with Manchester United, famous arch rivals of Leeds United.
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Littler reacted in a comedic manner, hitting back with crying faces, and even mocking himself when he missed darts at the double.
The format of the Premier League has also been a hot topic recently, and Price has been relatively outspoken on the issue.
The Iceman said: “Everyone knows my feelings on this format.
“It would be nice to see it go back to the old format with 10 players and then maybe after the nine weeks drops down to eight players and goes into this new format, but that’s for the PDC to decide.
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Luke Littler is not afraid to wind up the crowd
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“For me as a player, I’m just going to concentrate on my game and the way I’m playing.”
That is a tactic that has worked for Price so far this year, with the former world champion looking back to his best.
Price is so comfortable that he described the final week before the play-offs at the O2 as a “free night” for him, due to the fact that he has already qualified.
“For me, it’s a free night really. I can test out a new set-up, a new barrel and completely different darts.
“I’ve tried it in the house, but never took the plunge and tried it on stage. I might not do it, I’ll take the darts with me and have a throw in the practice room.
“If they don’t feel right, I won’t use them, but I might use them.”
One thing is for sure, The Iceman will need to be on top form for his likely meeting with Humphries at the O2 Arena.
The world no1 is yet to lift the Premier League title, and will be keen to de-throne reigning champion and arch rival at the oche, Luke Littler.
