INTERVIEW: Gerwyn Price talks up Wales as PDC World Cup of Darts contenders

Wales have developed a reputation of always being the World Cup of Darts bridesmaids, but never the bride. Twice the beaten finalists, the Welsh fell at the quarter final stage last year. Price was Wales' captain in 2018, playing alongside Jonny Clayton. Going into 2019's event in Hamburg, the Iceman had a tongue-in-cheek warning for his teammate. "Jonny, over the last couple of weeks, hasn't played pretty well. "But in the last couple of months, he's been in good form. Hopefully, with a kick up his backside, he'll be alright!" Price said to "We're in with a good shout. We're a good pairing, good friends, and I'm looking forward to it."

As one of the form players this year, Price has the ability to drive his nation to a first ever title. To date, the Netherlands and England are the only nations to have won the tournament. Wales are in the opposite half of the draw to both, but they do have to consider the presence of second seed Scotland. "I think one of the top four teams - Holland, Wales, Scotland, and England - one of those teams is going to win," said Price assuredly. But there are a number of teams who could be in the kingmakers this year. Wales' , who knocked out the Scots in the first round two years ago. Should they win that, another banana skin in the form of Japan could await them. The challenge that awaits Wales is nothing new, according to the Grand Slam of Darts champion. "First round's always difficult. It's pairs all the way through, and I don't really like that sort of play," said Price. "You don't really get a chance to get any rhythm - but it's the same as any tournament, the first game's always tough. "If we come through that, we'll be a real force in this tournament."