Rob Cross defeated Gerwyn Price to lift the US Darts Masters in New York in a final marred by excessive whistling from the crowd.
The Madison Square Garden audience was exemplary throughout the tournament but a vocal minority in the final forced referee Russ Bray to step in.
The legendary referee had to warn the crowd several times to stop whistling whilst the players were throwing as both competitors appeared frustrated.
After clinching his fourth World Series crown of his career, ‘Voltage’ had words with the American fans.
Rob Cross gives an honest message to the fans
Price is no stranger to heckles from the crowd and has previously taken to wearing headphones on stage to block out hostile atmospheres.
Cross defended ‘The Iceman’ however and called for the fans to ease up on the Welshman.
Speaking to Dan Dawson on ITV, Cross said: “Gezzy [Price] is probably my best mate on tour. It’s a tough game and you know he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. I know the crowd sometimes give him a bit of stick; he don’t deserve that.”
Price avoided confrontation with the New York packed house and simply said: “The crowd have been good for me – most of the time.”
Positive signs for Gerwyn Price
It was another dismal Premier League campaign for the former World Champion but this weekend in New York was a step in the right direction.
‘The Iceman’ has repeatedly said his primary focus this year is ranked events and he moved back into the world’s top four last week.
Price’s mindset remains healthy, and he told Dawson on stage that he believes a victory is imminent.
“I’m just struggling to get over the winning line, I just want to get a win under my belt and get the confidence back but today was tough.
“He [Rob Cross] won it at the end, I’m not gonna say he deserved to win it but a win is just round the corner for me I think.”
Price’s performance levels have been encouraging despite some indifferent results and if that trend continues, expect the Welshman to fulfil his prophecy and start lifting more trophies soon.