"Give some time to the family and take a break" - Gerwyn Price finally explains mystery World Cup absence as Premier League title bid takes priority

Gerwyn Price has finally explained why he will miss the 2026 World Cup of Darts, revealing that family time and a break from the relentless schedule were behind his decision as he prepares for tonight’s Premier League Darts Finals Night at The O2.

The Welshman’s absence from the World Cup had become one of the more intriguing talking points ahead of the Frankfurt event. Price had already insisted he had not withdrawn for medical reasons, despite recent concerns over his health during the Premier League campaign, but until now had not given a full public explanation for why he would not be partnering Jonny Clayton for Wales.

Speaking to Online Darts before his Premier League Darts semi-final against Luke Littler, Price said the decision was linked to the same wider plan that will see him take some time away after the O2 showpiece.

“There needs to be a slot where I can take a little bit of time off and give some time back to the family because the schedule’s hectic at the minute,” said Price. “It’s just about taking a break and spending some time with the family.”

That explanation lands on the day Price attempts to win one of the biggest titles still missing from his record. The former world champion faces Littler in the Premier League semi-finals, with Clayton taking on Luke Humphries in the other half of the draw.

Price reached Finals Night after a campaign that mixed flashes of peak form with disruption around his schedule and conditioning. He won two league nights across the 16-week season, including a dominant night in Manchester, but has also spoken openly about missing ranking events and needing answers over his health.

The good news, from Price’s point of view, is that those concerns appear to have eased before the Premier League finale. “Yeah, not just tomorrow,” he said when asked whether positive test results would free him up at The O2. “It frees me up to go back and play a lot more ranking tournaments. After the Premier League tour, going to take the next European off and Pro Tours next week, and I’ll have a little bit of a holiday, which I haven’t had for quite a while. And then after that, it’ll set me back up to hit the ranking events.”

Price believes his game remains in the right place despite a lighter recent schedule than he would have wanted. He admitted he would have preferred to play more ProTours and European Tour events before Finals Night, but insisted his level has not disappeared.

“I’m feeling like I’m in a good place and I think my game’s in a good place,” he said. “I probably wish I’d played in one or two ProTours or European Tour events leading up to this, but it is what it is and I’m still playing really well. I thought I played well last week and just got a little bit unlucky against Stephen. My form’s there, I’m in a good head space and hopefully it all falls into place tomorrow.”

Price lost to Littler at this stage last year and knows the recent head-to-head has favoured the teenager. However, he pushed back against the idea that previous meetings should define the semi-final.

“Obviously I want to put it right, but I don’t think it matters,” said Price. “There’s been opportunities there for me to win, opportunities for me to win quite easily in some games and I’ve just slipped up. It’s been my fault why I’ve lost, but if I play anywhere near my game, anywhere near my top form, then I’ll definitely come through that game.”

The Premier League is one of the major televised prizes Price has still not captured. He came close in 2023, losing the final to Michael van Gerwen, and has also been beaten in the World Matchplay final during his career.

“Yeah, definitely. This is third time, third time lucky,” he said of trying to put last year’s semi-final defeat right. “My main aim was to get here and make the playoffs and I’ve got a great chance to win.”

Asked what it would mean to finally take the Premier League title, Price added: “Obviously it’s one of the ones that I haven’t won. So, just to tick that off and you’ll get that one in the bag. It would ease the pressure moving forward as well. But, until you win a major, then, you know, there’s always added pressure every year.”

Price’s World Cup withdrawal means Clayton will instead partner Nick Kenny for Wales in Frankfurt. While his own absence breaks up one of the tournament’s most successful modern pairings, Price was quick to back his replacement.

“Nick’s a fantastic player who wears his heart on his sleeve, similar to me,” said Price. “He’s a proud Welshman and I know he’ll give 110%. For Jonny to be playing with Nick, there’s no better partner that could have slotted in there. I wish them all the best and I think they’ll represent Wales well and carry the badge with pride. Fingers crossed they can go on and win.”

For Price, the immediate challenge is not Frankfurt, but London. A World Cup break is now explained. A Premier League title bid still has to be settled.