Gerwyn Price spoke candidly about his approach to darts after returning to the winner’s circle in Copenhagen.
Price ended his title drought in a rematch of last week’s US Darts Masters final, defeating close friend Rob Cross 8-5 to lift the Nordic Darts Masters.
It’s been a frustrating season for the ‘Iceman’ in 2024 though.
The performance levels have been high without converting that into results and Price is hoping a more positive attitude to the sport can allow him to kick on.
Gerwyn Price frustrated at throwing matches away
The Welshman has struggled to see out victories in recent months and threw away a 5-3 lead in the final at Madison Square Garden last week.
It was nearly déjà vu yesterday for the former World Number One as Cross rallied from 5-1 down to get within one leg, but Price was able to pull away and banish some demons to cross the finish line.
Speaking to Online Darts, Price said: “I’m struggling to get over the winning line and I’m trying too hard. I didn’t want Rob [Cross] to roll over and give me the match.
“I let him come back in and I’m just glad I had that opportunity to finish him off otherwise it probably ends up seven all, his throw and then another one gets away.”
The Champion has often been criticised for his negative reaction to defeats but insists he’s taking a new attitude in an effort to replicate this success.
“I’m playing pretty decent; I just need to stop being so negative in my head and missing loads of doubles because if you keep thinking like that it’s just gonna keep happening.
“It’s just positive from here on in now that I’m playing well, big scoring and checking out.”
A happy Gerwyn Price is a dangerous one
Price may have endured a title drought by his high standards, but he’s still part of the elite.
He recently re-entered the world’s top four and has produced a catalogue of stunning performances this season.
Darts is a mental game and if the mindset isn’t right, it’s difficult to find success in this sport.
The Welshman has repeatedly spoken of his disdain for the Premier League and it’s no surprise he’s failed to make the play-offs in five of his six campaigns.
The ‘Iceman’ will miss next week’s event in Poland as he looks set for a holiday, so July’s World Matchplay is set to welcome a rejuvenated Price.
With his game and mindset seemingly in a positive place, expect the 2022 runner-up to be a serious threat to the Phil Taylor trophy.