"Now that the crowd are behind me, I can do better” - Gerwyn Price thrives amid rare vocal support to reach another Grand Slam quarter-final in Wolverhampton

Gerwyn Price once again showed his best side at the Grand Slam of Darts, booking his place in the quarter-finals on Thursday night with a 10-6 victory over Germany’s Martin Schindler. The scoreline might look comfortable on paper, but the former world champion had to dig deep to get the job done.

Afterwards, Price admitted it had been a tough battle. “I think that was a difficult game,” he said with clear relief in conversation with Sky Sports. “Martin didn't play how he can play. I was off the mark, he was as well. Towards the end, I started to play a little better, so did he, but yeah, I was just happy to get over the winning line. Proud of myself to come through that game."

“I should have been at least 7-3 up, but he got back to 6-5. Thankfully, I started to play a lot better and that was partly down to this crowd," Price added with a smile. "I don't usually get the support but they've been fantastic, so thank you very much!"

It wasn’t a performance that showed Price at his very best, but it was one that underlined his experience and composure. The 2021 world champion stayed calm on the doubles and took charge when it mattered most.

The Grand Slam of Darts has long held a special place in Price’s heart. The Welshman has lifted the trophy in Wolverhampton three times (2018, 2019 and 2021) and always seems to save some of his best darts for this stage.

“I'm just thankful to get over the winning line. This is my favourite tournament,” said Price with conviction. “I always seem to so well here, and now that the crowd are behind me, I think I can do even better.”

Price’s win over Schindler sets up a quarter-final clash with Ricky Evans – the surprise package of the last eight, and someone who has already beaten Price in the group stage of this tournament. While acknowledging Evans’ form, Price believes the longer format will play to his strengths.

“I know Ricky’s been fantastic this year,” he said of his next opponent. “I'm playing pretty decent too though, and over a longer format, I think it's first to 16 now, it goes in my favour a little bit. I’ve been in these situations before."

That experience could prove decisive. In a format where focus and mental resilience often make the difference, Price holds the upper hand. His track record at the Grand Slam shows he knows exactly how to handle the pressure when matches get tight.

It may not have been the most convincing win of his career, but it was an important step towards another Grand Slam title. Gerwyn Price continues to be a formidable force at the event that feels like home to him.

With the crowd behind him, confidence building and his trademark experience in full flow, the Welshman once again looks ready to mount a serious challenge for glory in Wolverhampton.