The Iceman Is Back In Wales As Gerwyn Price Aims To Restore Some Pride In The Feathers

Gerwyn Price is gearing up for a three feathers showdown of the other variety in Cardiff on Thursday night, aiming to lift the nation’s spirits after Wales’ bruising Six Nations defeat.

The "Iceman" is set to take on Rob Cross in the BetMGM Premier League, hoping to give the home crowd something to celebrate following Wales' disastrous performance against England. 

A former rugby player himself for Neath, Cross Keys and Glasgow, Price is well aware of the expectations placed upon him as he steps onto home soil at the Utilita Arena.

Momentum is firmly on his side, though, as he heads into the Cardiff clash, having strung together an impressive six-match winning streak against world champion Luke Littler. 

Price attributes his recent success to his strong mental game, which he believes gives him an edge over the teenage sensation.

"I don't worry about who I'm playing. He's just another number to me," Price stated. "Maybe I might be in Luke's head a little bit."

Littler has been in formidable form in recent months, yet Price remains the only player to have consistently beaten him.

Price took in Wales' rugby loss while enjoying a break in Benidorm with his family.

"I was watching the rugby last Saturday but I was in sunny Benidorm for a couple of days with the family - so I was probably better off not watching," he admitted.

The 40-year-old, who once crossed the whitewash in the Welsh Challenge Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, is determined to give the Welsh fans something to cheer about.

"I want to go out and perform for a Welsh crowd and give them something they can cheer," he said.

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His Cardiff campaign begins with a quarter-final match-up against Cross, a player he acknowledges is in outstanding form.

"I think Rob is probably playing some of the best stuff he's ever played," Price remarked.

The man from Markham, near Caerphilly, has fond memories of competing in Cardiff, having triumphed on home soil in 2023 with victories over Chris Dobey, Michael van Gerwen, and Nathan Aspinall. 

Last year, he reached the final but fell to Michael Smith.

Performing in front of a passionate home crowd brings its own set of challenges, something Price readily acknowledges.

"It is one of the smaller venues in the Premier League, which sets the atmosphere aside," he explained. "Cardiff is another level."

Yet, the real pressure comes from within. 
"It's just pressure that I put on myself. I don't want to lose first round and not give something back to the crowd."

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Price credits his improved form to a more optimistic mindset this season. Currently sitting third in the Premier League standings, he is riding high after a triumphant night in Nottingham, where he claimed victories over Stephen Bunting, Michael van Gerwen, and Luke Littler, securing five points and the £10,000 prize money.

"My game is in a great place," Price reflected. 

"I think that's probably down to me being a little bit more positive, enjoying the traveling and enjoying the game in general a lot more."

With the Premier League returning to Cardiff, Price is eager to put on a show for his supporters.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I don't get it that often, once a year, so I've got to relish it, grab it with both hands. Hopefully, I can deliver and put on a performance."

Price recognises the growing support he receives from fans across different venues but acknowledges that playing in Cardiff is a unique experience.

"The support is getting better and better everywhere I go now, not just in Cardiff, but it is a different atmosphere, I absolutely love it."

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His main goal is to start strong against Cross.

"I want to get out of the blocks quickly and get a win against Rob Cross. Hopefully, I can win the night, but first things first, I want to get the win in that first game.

"It helps when the crowd are right behind you," he added. "When I get through that first game, I'm dangerous.

"It's going to be a lot of added pressure on me just from myself because I want to perform, but I'm looking forward to that.

"Whoever is coming, hopefully they can cheer for me and fingers crossed I can give them something to cheer about.

"I've been playing really well in every tournament, not just the Premier League," he said.

"It helps when you're getting support and long may that continue. I'll definitely get that tomorrow. It's going to be buzzing and I'm looking forward to it.

"My game is in a great place. I think that's probably down to me being a little bit more positive, enjoying the traveling and enjoying the game in general a lot more.

"Over the last couple of years, I haven't really done that, enjoy the travelling and beating myself up all the time, but things are different this year."