Price refreshed after a small rest: 'For two weeks I barely picked up a dart'

Gerwyn Price will face off against compatriot Jamie Lewis on Monday evening as his PDC World Darts Championship campaign begins.

Price complained about fatigue and being burned out at the Players Championship Finals and admitted he needed that rest and he is now raring to go.

"I’ve been playing really, really well all this year so I’m full of confidence. After the Players Championships two weeks ago I needed a break to recharge my batteries. For two weeks, I’ve barely picked up a dart, maybe twenty minutes in an evening. I’ve played enough darts all year to know my head and game is where it needs to be and after a bit of a break I’m feeling good and ready to go now," said Price to Press Box PR.

Peter Wright opened the World Championship with his Grinch themed outfit which divided fans and pundits alike and Price isn't a fan of it calling it 'off-putting'.

"I'm up there to play darts, I’m not there to dress up. I know it’s Christmas and it’s festive but to be honest with you I don’t agree with it. It’s good fun but there's no crowd there, I just feel sorry for Steve West or anyone who has to play him, it’s a bit off-putting.

On the lack of crowd being at the Alexandra Palace, Price said it doesn't feel the same and the standard this year has reflected that with events being behind closed doors. He also echoed previous points by other players that those winning titles potentially wouldn't be in normal circumstances.

"I’m not too bothered, I would love the crowd to be there, the party atmosphere all adds to it. To be honest with you I love watching the darts, but this year it doesn’t seem the same. I know we’ve played other tournaments with no fans but being the Worlds, the Christmas atmosphere and fans is what it’s all about. And the players aren’t performing half as well either, to be honest I think the standard so far this year is not anywhere near its best," he added.

"The players need to play well to entertain, but without the crowd the energy is lacking and there's a lot of players who look grumpy. It’s not doom and gloom if you lose the game, enjoy it a bit. I’m one of the worst losers for 20 to 30 minutes after the game but it’s not the end of the world especially with everything going on.

"It doesn’t feel right without a crowd and that's possibly why some players are winning tournaments now unexpectedly - not that they’re not good players but I’m not convinced they could still win if there is a crowd."