Price on motivation levels after opening Hudson win at UK Open: "I don't feel like a World Champion at the moment"

Gerwyn Price returned to the UK Open with a routine victory over Peter Hudson to begin his campaign.

It has been an interesting few weeks for Price who has been battling an ear infection which saw him pull out of the last two Super Series events.

But for Price, it isn't about that, it's mainly about the lack of confidence and motivation at the moment.

"I was a bit edgy in that game and I missed doubles left right and centre but I felt like I was in control of the game," said Price post match.

"It's not so much about the ear infection, it's more about the confidence. I haven't played well obviously the last couple of ProTours, this game is all about confidence so I'm not very confident at the moment but I'm getting back."

Michael van Gerwen spoke after his match about him still being the man to beat but Price said the mantle falls instead on the likes of Joe Cullen and Jonny Clayton.

"I don't think he's the man to beat, I don't think I'm the man to beat, I don't think Peter (Wright) is the man to beat. You've got the likes of Joe Cullen who's just gone out, Jonny Clayton who is playing fantastic. I wouldn't even look at the top three at the moment."

This lack of motivation he admits stems from being behind closed doors and means despite being World Champion, Price doesn't see himself as that.

"I was rubbish at the first two ProTours. Winning breeds winning and winning breeds confidence. Going from those first two events, I was probably in a negative situation. I played pretty decent today but I need to up my game if I want to win this tournament."

"The World Championship feels exactly like this event. It's all behind closed doors. I don't feel like a World Champion at the moment. I can't wait for the doors open and get the trophy back and celebrate with my friends. Things are starting to feel a little bit better then. I feel like a World Number One but not a World Champion."