Journalists were banned from questioning Gerwyn Price about his explosive confrontation with Daryl Gurney following their World Matchplay encounter on Monday night.
The media restriction became apparent when Price appeared for his post-match press conference after securing a 10-7 victory.
Reporter Phil Barrs subsequently revealed the circumstances on social media platform X, stating: "We were told before the press conference that no questions were allowed about what happened on stage."
Instead, Price's comments centred on maintaining composure throughout the closely contested match.
Getty | Daryl Gurney was seen mimicking Gerwyn Price's trademark celebrationThe confrontation ignited when Gurney took exception to Price's animated reactions during their ninth leg.
The Northern Irishman began imitating his opponent's trademark celebrations, which further inflamed tensions between them.
The animosity peaked after Price secured victory by hitting double 12.
His explosive celebration prompted an uncomfortable moment when the players met for the traditional post-match handshake.
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*We were told before the press conference no questions were allowed about what happened on stage https://t.co/7AGMFhefWJ
— Phill Barrs (@phillbarrs) July 21, 2025
Their grip turned hostile as sharp words were traded between them.
The verbal sparring continued even after they separated, with both men exchanging heated remarks in full view of match officials.
Price subsequently strode past his opponent and delivered additional emphatic celebrations to the crowd.
Despite the media blackout on the altercation, Price discussed his approach to emotional management during the match.
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"Five, six, seven years ago, that game probably could have got away from me and just slipped away," he said.
"I've learned to just try and keep my emotions intact at key points, and I did it today."
The Welshman revealed he deliberately suppressed his reactions throughout the contest.
"For a lot of legs I was beating myself up, missing opportunities," Price explained. "I just felt like I needed to keep myself composed."
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|The pair shared a heated exchange of words and a feisty handshake
He acknowledged consciously restraining himself during crucial moments, saying: "I have learnt to keep my emotions intact and I think I did today in two or three legs where my head was going to blow off, but I just had to keep it in."
The pair have history, having clashed during a 2019 Premier League fixture that resulted in physical shoving and verbal confrontations.
Their relationship appeared cordial just weeks ago when Northern Ireland defeated Wales in June's World Cup of Darts final in Germany.
Sky Sports analyst Wayne Mardle characterised the latest confrontation as "childish" behaviour.
"Daryl Gurney didn't like a reaction from Gezzy, so he kind of mimicked Gezzy's reaction. Gezzy didn't like his mimicking of his reaction, and kids will be kids," Mardle observed.
Josh Rock, Gurney's World Cup teammate, suggested the players viewed the incident differently, commenting: "Daryl, I think, saw the funny side in it and Gezzy didn't."