"Sometimes you need to put life as a priority" - Gerwyn Price admits darts is no longer all important to him as he reaches World Matchplay second round

Gerwyn Price has convincingly qualified for the second round of the 2024 World Matchplay. 'The Iceman' defeated Northern Irishman Daryl Gurney 10-4 in the opening match of the tournament on Saturday night.

Price, who recently had yo pull out of the World Cup of Darts due to injury, averaged just shy of 100 in his World Matchplay opener. "The first game is always tough," reflected the 39-year-old Welshman post-match. "I started well and finished well, so I'm happy with my performance tonight. I feel settled into the tournament now and I'm looking forward to Tuesday [versus Ross Smith or Josh Rock].''

Before this tournament, the hype was mostly about Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries as far as pre tournament favourites. For former tournament runner-up Price however, things have started well. "This is one of the three TV ranking events I've been in the final of but never won, so I'm hungry to go one step further this time," Price says of his chances.

As mentioned, Price will take on the winner of the duel between Ross Smith and Josh Rock in the next round. "Two very good players, but whoever it turns out to be, it's going to be a match I'm definitely looking forward to," Price previews. Notably, that match up takes place this Sunday afternoon at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

In the past, Price was regularly booed on big stages, but at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, he could count on the crowd's support. "They were great and it was a brilliant atmosphere. I was really enjoying myself on stage," Price says, full of praise for those in attendance in Blackpool.

Price also came to this tournament with a different mindset. "I think the darts was the priority over the last couple of years, but sometimes you need to put life as a priority and darts comes second," Price explains. "I've probably put darts too much in my life, and I need to sort of concentrate on my life. Darts then comes after that."