Gerwyn Price Eases Through But Insists: I Need to be Better to Win

The Ice Man was pleased enough with his progress but admitted he will need to raise his game if he is to lift the trophy again.

Price, the 2021 world champion, brushed aside Czech Republic qualifier Adam Gawlas with a ruthless 3-0 victory, dropping just two legs in one of the most dominant performances seen at Alexandra Palace so far. 

The Welshman’s scoring power was relentless, though missed opportunities on the doubles offered a reminder that there is still work to be done.

“I played pretty decent I think in that game, apart from the two legs I gave away. I thought I was alright,” Price told Sky Sports Darts.

“I needed to improve to win this tournament, but for a first-round game that was okay. 

“The first round is always difficult, but to play someone like Adam, he's slow, it's hard work to get your pace and get rhythm and get some flow into the game.”

READ MORE: Fires Still Burning Brightly For Iceman Gerwyn Price

From the outset, Price overwhelmed Gawlas, racing through the opening set with 13- and 12-dart legs to seize control. 

He threatened perfection early in the second set, flirting with a nine-darter, only to falter on the outer ring after missing six darts at double, allowing Gawlas a brief foothold.

Any danger was short-lived. Price quickly reasserted himself, rattling off three legs in succession to take the second set with a clinical 120 finish, before extending his run to six straight legs. 

Another 120 checkout sealed a one-sided final set and underlined his dominance.

The former rugby player will now meet Dutchman Wesley Plaisier in the second round on Sunday, with a potential quarter-final showdown against teenage sensation Luke Littler looming if both progress.

Price’s advance was matched by fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton, the fifth seed also booking his place in round two. 

Clayton averaged just over 93 as he eased past English debutant Adam Lipscombe 3-1, ensuring Wales has two players safely through to the next stage.

Despite the emphatic start, Price knows tougher tests lie ahead — and that improvement will be essential if he is to go all the way.