Price discusses reception from fans after World Matchplay opening win: "Even all their booing it helps me concentrate a lot more"

Gerwyn Price claimed a routine 10-4 victory to open up his World Matchplay campaign against Jermaine Wattimena but 'The Iceman' was critical about his display despite ending his barren run at the Winter Gardens.

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"I didn't start off very well and Jermaine (Wattimena) started giving it a little bit but that gets my blood boiling and I love those sort of games but maybe if he didn't do that, it could have been a different result," he said post match.

"I was nowhere near what I can play but it was enough today."

Boos from sections of fans

One part of the pre match was his walk on and it was marred by sections of fans still booing the World Number One but he admitted it just increases the fire.

"They were booing quite a bit there but hopefully when it's a full house, it'll ease up a bit. It was nice and I tell you what even all their booing it helps me concentrate a lot more. It's good without the boos but if they are there then it makes me play a little bit better."

"It wasn't very good but it is what it is. I can't deal with what people do."

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Main rivals

When asked about his main rivals to the title, he admitted himself first and foremost due to the circumstances going into this year's tournament.

"The only demons I've got are in my own head. I haven't played much this year, I missed the Premier League, I've played eight tournaments over the last six months. I'm not very confident but if I go and win this, the rest of the year is looking good."