Darts Drama: Van der Voort Blasts Price’s ‘Nonsense’ Crowd Complaints
Dutch darts veteran Vincent van der Voort has sharply criticized Gerwyn Price, dismissing the Welshman’s complaints about the PDC World Darts Championship crowd as ‘old chatter’. Van der Voort asserts that such crowd reactions are a standard part of the game, and players like Price should simply accept them rather than using them as an excuse for performance.
The Controversy: Gerwyn Price and the Alexandra Palace Crowd
During the recent PDC World Darts Championship, former world champion Gerwyn Price made headlines not just for his darts, but for his outspoken frustration with the crowd at London’s Alexandra Palace. Price, known for his intense on-stage persona and nickname ‘The Iceman’, expressed significant displeasure with what he perceived as a disruptive and overly vocal audience.
His complaints often centered on:
- Boos and jeers directed at him during his throws.
- Singing and chanting that he felt interfered with his concentration.
- A general atmosphere he described as disrespectful to the players and the sport itself.
These comments sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike. Some sympathized with Price’s position, arguing that player focus should be paramount, while others contended that a lively, passionate crowd is simply part of the unique charm and challenge of the World Championship.
Van der Voort’s Blunt Response: ‘I’ve Heard That Chatter Before!’
Veteran Dutch darts player Vincent van der Voort, a long-standing figure in the darts world and a former World Championship semi-finalist, offered a starkly different perspective. Van der Voort was unequivocal in his dismissal of Price’s grievances, stating directly, “That nonsense, I’ve heard that chatter before.”
He elaborated on his view, emphasizing several key points:
- Dealing with a lively and sometimes boisterous crowd is an inherent part of playing darts at the highest level, especially at the iconic Alexandra Palace.
- Players are well aware of the unique, carnival-like atmosphere at the World Championship before they even step onto the oche.
- Using the crowd as an excuse for poor performance or discomfort is generally not accepted or seen as valid by fellow professional players.
- Instead of fighting the crowd’s energy, embracing it and using it to fuel one’s own performance is often the key to success in such high-pressure environments.
Van der Voort’s comments highlight a common sentiment among many seasoned darts professionals: the crowd is an integral part of the spectacle, and managing its influence is a skill every top player must master. His direct rebuttal serves as a reminder that while player comfort is important, the unique, vibrant atmosphere of darts major tournaments is also what makes them so special and popular with fans worldwide. For many, it’s simply part of the game.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartfreakz.nl.
