Gerwyn Price is back Stateside and eyeing up a trophy that’s managed to stay just out of reach – the US Darts Masters. He’s conquered plenty in the sport, but the one stage in the Big Apple still sits on his darting to-do list.
Online Darts’ Phill Barrs caught up with the Red Dragon powerhouse in the heart of Manhattan, just steps away from the iconic Madison Square Garden. And as always, Gezzy had plenty to say – even if the weather wasn’t to his taste.
“Definitely nice to be back. Not enjoying the heat, but I’m enjoying New York and I’m ready to go. The venue is iconic and unique – especially for someone like me. I’m an ex-rugby player from Markham who didn’t really know anything about darts 20 years ago. Now I’m playing in one of these magnificent places – it’s a real pinch-me moment. Seeing my face on a billboard in Times Square – that’s a nice feeling. Las Vegas is still better, but I do love New York – and I’m due a win here.”
He’s not wrong. With three World Series tour titles and two Finals triumphs already to his name, Gezzy’s no tourist when it comes to globe-trotting for silverware – and he definitely didn’t fly across the pond just to grab a selfie with the Statue of Liberty. He’s feeling confident, fresh, and ready to do some serious deep digging in the Garden.
“This is probably the most confident I’ve looked in a while. I feel like something big is on the horizon. I usually find my best form once the Premier League’s over. I just need to play more Players Championship events – they keep me sharp. I played last week (Leicester) even though I wasn’t feeling great. I’ll get the couple more in before the Matchplay to get super sharp.”
Catch the interview with Gezzy here!
Apparently, there are two kinds of sharp. There’s the standard Gezzy model – already dangerous – and then there’s the super sharp version he’s chasing down.
Wales’ recent run to the World Cup final booked him a spot at this year’s Grand Slam, not that Wolverhampton success is anything new for The Iceman. He’s already got three of those trophies on the mantelpiece. But it’s as much about the points as prizes for the part-time fish fryer:
“The ranking points are vital now. Qualifying for the Grand Slam eases a bit of the pressure – these days you’ve got to win a major or make a final just to qualify. It’s not really about chasing money anymore – it’s about keeping those points ticking over.”
Happily send the money our way, Gez – you can keep the ranking points, mate. Yet despite his excellent form, the career-to-date trophy haul, and enough 180s to make referee’s hoarse, The Iceman reckons we still haven’t seen the best of him.
“I don’t think I’ve peaked yet. I’ve done pretty well – practically won everything, or lost in the final! I want to win the Worlds again, but this time I want to enjoy it more. I’ll be around for the next ten years at least.”
Good news for fans of ferocious checkouts and even fiercer roars. Bad news for anyone hoping for an easy draw in the next decade. But for now, all eyes are on Madison Square Garden – and one very determined Welshman who’s got his sights set on adding a shiny new crown to the collection.
—–ENDS—–
Image: Paddy Power
