Price on external factors after narrow Rafferty win: "It's hard enough playing him, the crowd but then you hear his manager"

Gerwyn Price is through his opening group match at the 2021 Grand Slam of Darts edging past Nathan Rafferty but was highly critical of his performance post match.

"Nathan I think played really well in the middle part of the game. It's hard enough playing him, the crowd but then you hear his manager in the background. He's louder than the crowd, if you want to do that then fair play but I got over the winning line. I could have lost that game but if I did lose, it was because of my own fault," said Price post match.

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Too much pressure and returning to Aldersley

He was also asked if he puts too much pressure on himself which Price admitted doesn't matter if he gets over the winning line.

"That was a 5-4 and for me, that's probably a 5-2, 5-3 win you know but a wins a win and if you win three out of three, it doesn't matter.

While he returned to the site of his two Grand Slam triumphs and he was pleased to return and is looking ahead to the knockout stages next week.

"I like this tournament, you've got room for error which takes a little bit of pressure off you. Even if I'd lost this game, I'm still in the tournament but once it gets to the knockout situations and you're over the longer format, I come into my own a little bit."

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Holiday

He was also seen enjoying some time away with his family which Price admitted will be a future part of his plans.

"It was nice to be away and I've missed that and that's what I need. I think that's what I'm going to take into next year is just to balance my schedule a little bit."