Gerwyn Price, affectionately known as ‘The Iceman,’ is poised for a significant year in darts. Despite a narrow opening night defeat, his recent form, including reaching the 2023 Premier League final and hitting two nine-dart finishes, underscores his enduring potential. Fresh from a physical transformation and renewed passion for the game, Price is considered a strong contender for the Premier League title, with the tournament featuring exciting new stops like Antwerp, Belgium, alongside established venues.
The Iceman’s Enduring Threat
Often described by rising star Luke Littler as his toughest opponent, Gerwyn Price, ‘The Iceman,’ remains a formidable force in professional darts. This high praise highlights his capability to challenge for the sport’s biggest titles, including the prestigious Premier League.
A Resilient Start to the Premier League Season
The current Premier League campaign didn’t begin ideally for Price in Newcastle. He faced a narrow 6-5 defeat against World Number 2 Luke Humphries, missing crucial darts in the deciding leg. Despite the loss, Price pushed Humphries, who averaged an impressive over 104, to the very limit. This resilient performance suggests he’s ready to bounce back in upcoming fixtures, starting with his match against Gian van Veen in Antwerp.
Reflecting on a Stellar 2023 Campaign
Price’s most successful Premier League season came in 2023, where he topped the league phase and reached the grand final. His journey culminated in a hard-fought match against darting legend Michael van Gerwen, who ultimately secured a record-breaking seventh Premier League title, surpassing Phil Taylor’s previous record of six.
Key highlights from Price’s 2023 performance include:
- Dominating the League Phase: Price finished at the top of the standings, a testament to his consistent performance throughout the season.
- High-Stakes Semi-Final: He delivered an exceptional performance in the semi-final against fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton, averaging over 107, setting him up perfectly for the final.
- Two Nine-Dart Finishes: Price achieved two perfect nine-dart finishes during the 2023 campaign, in Manchester and Aberdeen, more than any other player that season. For context, a nine-dart finish is the rarest and most celebrated achievement in darts, requiring a player to finish a leg in the minimum possible nine throws. Other top players like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Rob Cross each managed one nine-darter that year, underscoring Price’s exceptional skill.
A Renewed Mindset: The Iceman’s Transformation
Off the oche, Price has openly shared his impressive weight loss journey and dedication to gym training on social media. This physical transformation appears to have ignited a new sense of energy and enthusiasm for the game, seemingly overcoming any previous disillusionment. This renewed focus could be a crucial factor in his pursuit of a Premier League title.
The Premier League Line-up and Format
The Premier League of Darts features an elite field of eight players. This year, Gerwyn Price, at 40 years old and hailing from Cardiff, was selected as one of the four PDC wildcard picks, alongside Josh Rock, Jonny Clayton, and Stephen Bunting. They join the automatically selected top four seeds:
- Luke Littler
- Luke Humphries
- Gian van Veen
- Michael van Gerwen
The tournament format sees players compete weekly across various venues, accumulating points to qualify for the finals night.
The Premier League Tour: Venues Across Europe
The action-packed Premier League schedule kicked off in Newcastle on February 5th, traversing the UK and Ireland. This year also features three exciting events in mainland Europe:
- Rotterdam, Netherlands: Known for its vibrant ‘sea of orange’ crowd, this venue has been a staple since its inclusion in 2016.
- Berlin, Germany: The German capital hosts the event for the fifth consecutive year, having joined the circuit in 2022.
- Antwerp, Belgium: Making its debut this year, Antwerp replaces Exeter on the tour, bringing the Premier League to a new Belgian audience for the first time.
Price’s Odds and Title Aspirations
While Luke Littler is currently the odds-on favourite to win the Premier League, followed by Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price is positioned as the fourth favourite. This strong ranking underscores his potential to make a serious claim for the Premier League champion title this year. With his proven track record, renewed vigour, and a challenging but exciting season ahead, ‘The Iceman’ is definitely one to watch.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
