"I won't repeat my first couple of words!": Gerwyn Price reacts to becoming a grandad for the first time
PDCThursday, 23 July 2026 at 00:30
Gerwyn Price took down Rob Cross 11-5 to reach the Quarter-Finals of the 2026 World Matchplay as he averaged 97 and was one of the final players through.
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Price touched upon wanting to bring the old Gerwyn Price back as well as becoming a grandfather for the first time later this year.
He spoke to the media including DartsNews.com and hopes to use displays like this to further himself after being open that he hasn't had much in the way of preparation due to not playing a lot on the ProTour much to his discontent.
"I felt like in patches I was good, but I was frustrated in patches as well. That's just what comes with not playing a lot. I said after my last game that the further I go in this tournament, the better I'll get," said Price to the media post match including DartsNews.com.
Again he was the darling of the World Matchplay though and he hopes it will continue. "Apart from when I didn't go for the finish and then they put me off on the double! But yes, they were right behind me and hopefully that continues.
Next up will be Ross Smith and after being fairly muted in this round, he said that he might have to bring out the aggression with 'Smudger' being well known for showing his emotion on the oche. Price also doesn't read much into his experience in latter stages saying that Smith is a major champion so he shouldn't be put in a different breath.
"I'm just trying to be myself. Sometimes I hold myself back because I don't know how the crowd is going to react. But I know how Ross plays and he wears his heart on his sleeve, so I just need to be myself on Friday. It could be the battle of the roars and we'll see how that game goes."
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"Ross is experienced as well. He's won the European Championship and a couple of European Tour events and ProTours. I don't think experience decides it. Every game is different and it's all about who performs on the day.
"I know how well Ross is playing, but I'm improving with every game. If I can raise my average from around 97 or 98 into the hundreds, I think I'll be all right."
He spoke on stage about wanting to be the old Gerwyn Price again and said that it is very much the emotional side and playing naturally without it being forced. "It's similar to what I said before. Ross just lets himself go and plays naturally. Whatever comes out, comes out.
"I need to get back to that. It doesn't happen if you force it, though. It has to come naturally. For the last two or three years I've been holding myself back a little bit and I need to let that go."
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Becoming a grandfather for the first time
Price also confirmed earlier in the week that he is going to be a grandfather and he joked about finding out. "I won't repeat my first couple of words! But after that I was really happy.
"As long as the baby's healthy, that's all that matters. I'm really happy for them. They're both young and I don't think they quite know what's coming, but they'll be fine. He's a bit lazy, but he's all right. I'll kick him into gear."
Asked about how intimidating of a father-in-law he is going to be, he said that it won't be the case. "I don't know about that. He's a great kid. They're both young, but they'll be fine. I know how hard-working he is."
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He was joking previously about throwing hay bales as preparation and he said that in reality he wishes he was playing more over doing that and that perhaps it did him more harm than good putting other facets of his life first.
Gerwyn Price set to become a grandad.
"Not really. I wish I'd played more tournaments leading into this event. ProTours are the best preparation for me, especially if you go deep in them.
"I just wish I hadn't had some of the distractions I've had recently because they took me away from the game a little bit. But that's behind me now. I can fully focus on the rest of this tournament and I think that's good for me.
"One of my mates is looking after it, thankfully. Without him it would be hard work. Hopefully in a couple of months I'll be back there and I'll be Farmer Price again."
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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