MVG in line for grudge
PRICE HAPPY TO HEAR JEERS
GERWYN PRICE is the former hooker who loves three in a bed.
The former rugby union star is the pantomime villain crowds love to hate when he flexes his Popeye biceps and lets it all hang out.
But if his critics expect The Iceman to tone down his act for the William Hill PDC World Championship starting at Alexandra Palace on Friday, it will be a thaw point for them.
Earlier this year, Price experimented by going into his shell on stage but he admits it made him play “rubbish” because he clammed up.
So he will ignore the trolls who send his 12-year-old daughter trash talk and fans who give him a hard time, warning: “Whether people like it or not, they are probably going to see the old me.”
Price, 34, looks the best bet to unseat champion Michael van Gerwen after landing back-to-back Grand Slam titles and running the Dutchman close in the Players Championship final.
But the No.3 seed, who used to play rugby for Neath and Cross Keys, has a poor record at Ally Pally, crashing out in the second round against surprise semifinalist Nathan Aspinall 12 months ago.
‘Gezzy’ said: “I’ve never had a good run at the world championship and I need to get my head around the sets format. But I’m in better form this year so hopefully I’m due a good run.
“I’ve only been in this game five or six years – give me another five or six and maybe I’ll have won the big one.”
Crowds at both Wolverhampton and Minehead appeared to be warming to The Iceman at last – a far cry from last year’s acrimonious Grand Slam final against Gary Anderson which led to a record £21,000 halved on appeal.
Price hopes the tide has turned, adding: “At first it was all right but it went a little bit too far.
“I tried a different approach but I was terrible because I was trying to be someone that isn’t the real me.
“I don’t mind them booing me when I walk on or when I’m going for trebles but when it comes to crucial doubles and match-winning chances, the jeers and the whistles are a bit too much. Just show a little respect.
“If I miss three darts at a double, boo me all you like, but when you are shooting for a double, that’s the most important time. I should not have to play within myself just to block it out and I’m not going to.
“People think I behave a certain way to put opponents off but I do it because it actually makes me play better.
“It’s way below the belt when some bloke messages a 12-year-old girl on Twitter with some stuff about me.
“Luckily, she has a good head on her and it doesn’t bother her.” in fines, later
REIGNING darts champ Michael van Gerwen is facing a nightmare match on Friday the 13th as he begins the defence of his world title.
Van Gerwen, 30, could face Dutch compatriot and rival Jelle Klaasen if the ex-Lakeside king comes through his first round tie against Kevin Burness on the opening night of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Three-times winner MVG and Klaasen fell out over a private matter seven years ago.
And the pair have never played together for Holland at (inset) the World Cup. Klaasen reached the semi-finals at Ally Pally four years ago, knocking out legend Phil Taylor along the way.
However, No.1 seed Van Gerwen is in no mood to give up his title without a fight.
The flying Dutchman said: “I have won this title three times and I want more.”