Darts sensation Gerwyn Price, affectionately known as ‘The Iceman,’ has found himself in an unusual predicament at the UK Open. After a hard-fought victory that propelled him into the quarter-finals, Price revealed he sustained a peculiar groin injury. However, in typical Iceman fashion, he remains remarkably unfazed, focusing instead on his performance, his climb back up the world rankings, and a newfound, positive outlook on his career, win or lose.
The Bizarre Incident: How Price Pulled His Groin
Price secured his spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Keane Barry in a thrilling 10-9 encounter in the last 16. It was after this victory that he shared the details of his unexpected injury. The incident wasn’t related to the intense physicality of darts but rather a mundane, everyday action.
“My back is fine. I opened the door with my leg – probably because I haven’t been to the gym for a couple of weeks – and I pulled my groin,” Price explained to reporters.
This admission highlighted the bizarre nature of the injury, a simple movement leading to an athletic strain. Even stranger, Price noted a peculiar aspect of his recovery:
“It’s strange. It doesn’t hurt when I play, but it hurts when I’m not playing.”
This unique symptom suggests that the adrenaline and focus of competition might temporarily mask the discomfort, which only surfaces during periods of rest.
Unwavering Focus: Price’s Response to Adversity
Despite the unusual circumstances of his injury and its persistent presence off-stage, Price maintains a remarkably nonchalant attitude. He dismisses any concerns, emphasizing that the injury isn’t a distraction.
“Honestly, I don’t think about it one bit. You guys keep bringing it up,” he stated, clearly unbothered by the media’s attention to his physical state.
His priority remains his professional commitments and performance. Price continues to compete fiercely on the Pro Tours and European Tours, consistently winning games and accumulating vital ranking points and prize money.
Eyeing a Return to the Elite
Price candidly reflected on his recent career trajectory, acknowledging a challenging period but expressing optimism for the future.
“I had a terrible year a couple of years ago, so I’ve got a free year now. If I have a good run here and win this, I’m back around world number five.”
This perspective reveals a strategic mindset, viewing his current efforts as a chance to reset and reclaim his position among the darting elite. He recognizes the heightened competition in the sport today:
“The standard now is ridiculous. Even when you play well you can still go out because someone else throws a great game against you.”
A New Mindset: Enjoying the Game
Beyond the physical injury and the pursuit of ranking points, Price also shared a significant shift in his mental approach to darts. He’s embracing a more positive and less self-critical outlook, regardless of the outcome.
“Over the last couple of years I’ve been down on myself and quite negative. If I can just enjoy it and smile when I lose and smile when I win, that’s enough.”
This newfound philosophy suggests a more sustainable and fulfilling path for ‘The Iceman’, allowing him to navigate the pressures of professional darts with greater equanimity. His determination at the UK Open, despite his unconventional injury, is a testament to this evolving mindset.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
