Gerwyn Price Admits He Was Beaten By The Better Man . . . But The Story Continues

Gerwyn Price will be gunning for revenge when tries to topple Michael van Gerwen at the PDC World Championships next month after conceding the Dutchman was too good for him in their latest meeting.

Wales’ world No.2 Price lost 11-9 as Van Gerwen clinched his fifth Players Championship Finals title in a dramatic finale at Butlin’s Minehead Resort on Sunday.

Top seed Price defeated Van Gerwen for the first time in 20 attempts en route to retaining his Grand Slam crown last weekend, but the former Cross Keys and Neath rugby player was unable to repeat the feat on this occasion.

“From my point of view Michael probably dominated the game,” admitted Price.

“I got my head in front but he was the better player today. I wish I could have got it to a last-leg decider to push him all the way, but the better man won.

I’m just happy to be up here playing the likes of Michael. Six or seven years ago I was playing rugby, now I’m playing the best players in the world.”

Van Gerwen displayed some fragility in the doubling department but he produced the goods when it mattered to claim the £100,000 top prize and secure a remarkable 50th individual PDC televised title.

The Dutchman was beaten in last year’s final by Daryl Gurney and Price threatened an unlikely comeback as he eyed a second successive major triumph, although ‘Mighty Mike’ kept his cool to prevail with a 97.92 average.

“It was tough, especially today. I had to work really hard. Gerwyn is a really respected player in the PDC and to beat him always feels good,” reflected the Dutchman.

“I couldn’t put him away. I was slightly better in this game. He is a phenomenal player and you have to play your absolute best to beat him.”

Both players will now prepare for a possible next showdown at next month’s World Championships, where Price will be bidding for his maiden world title and Van Gerwen will be chasing a fourth.