"Getting straight in my car, hopefully to catch the 9pm flight": Gerwyn Price set for mad airport dash to make Belfast Premier League after putting ProTour first

Gerwyn Price has once again made a statement at the Players Championship. The 40-year-old Welshman claimed the 22nd Players Championship title of his career, underlining that his form heading into a busy and crucial stretch on the PDC calendar is more than excellent. With a tournament average of over 104 and several dominant displays, “The Iceman” showed he is ready for what lies ahead.

Price was far too strong for Andrew Gilding in the final of Players Championship 6, winning 8-1 to secure his first ranking title of 2026.

“I think I probably should have won a couple of weeks ago, but I’m happy to get to another final after losing in the first round yesterday,” Price said afterwards. “I was under a bit of pressure to pick up some ranking points today and I’m happy with the win.”

Where he surprisingly went out in the first round a day earlier, he was now back holding the trophy. And that contrast perhaps defines the former world champion’s current game: vulnerable at the start, but rock-solid once he gets going.

Price made no secret that there was pressure on this tournament day.

“I was under a bit of pressure to pick up some ranking points today and I’m happy with the win,” he repeated.

Two years ago, by his own account, he experienced his worst season ever within the PDC. That has consequences for his current position on the Order of Merit.

“Yes, I’m hardly defending anything,” he explained. “Two years ago I had the worst year I’ve ever had in PDC, so I’m defending absolutely nothing this year. Whoever is above me, I’m going to catch them.”

That hunger was evident. Price averaged over a ton throughout the day and showcased his trademark scoring power in multiple matches. He repeatedly found the treble 20, and when it came to checkouts, he delivered.

“Yes, I thought I played decent today,” he said. “One or two games I wasn’t at my best, even in the final, but I had enough in the tank.”

The latter proved true: when it mattered, he shifted up a gear.

On his way to the title, Price took care of Jonny Clayton, his compatriot and good friend. In doing so, he avenged a defeat from last week.

“Yes, I said to him this is the start of a 10-win streak again, so I’m happy to get that win,” Price smiled.

It reflects the confidence currently flowing through his game. Where he sometimes struggles with rhythm or emotion in leaner spells, he now looks sharp, focused, and physically strong. His body language is calmer, his throw controlled, and his timing at crucial moments spot on.

There was little time to savour it for Price, however. Barely had he pulled his last dart from the board or his focus shifted to the next target: the Premier League night in Birmingham.

“It’s a big night for me in the Premier League tomorrow, so it’s great to get a bit of confidence from winning this and I’m looking forward to tomorrow as well,” he said.

“Yes, I literally dropped the mic and I’m getting straight in my car to Birmingham Airport, hopefully to catch the 9pm flight. If I don’t, then I’ll have to fly tomorrow, but fingers crossed I make that one. I was always going to play in these two.”

While some opted to skip this Players Championship with the Premier League in mind, Price stood at the oche without hesitation.

“Yes, I’ll take it step by step,” he added. “Today was my main priority, then tomorrow night, and then see what happens after that. I don’t look too far ahead.”

Perhaps the most intriguing part of his analysis concerned his tournament feel.

“Yes, I am,” Price said when asked if he feels in a good place in his game. “If I get through the first round, I feel like I’m unbeatable. But in the first round, I feel like I can’t win. Once I get through that one, I just feel like I’m pretty much unbeatable — but that’s not the case.”