World Darts Championship: Price Confident of Littler Upset After Strong Start
Gerwyn Price made an impressive start to his World Darts Championship campaign with a straight-sets victory over Adam Gawlas.
The Welshman averaged 96.44 and struck six maximums at Alexandra Palace.
Two missed doubles were the only blemishes in an otherwise dominant performance.
Price is in the same section of the draw as defending champion Luke Littler at the World Darts Championship.
The pair could meet in the quarter-finals.
Littler is chasing back-to-back world titles after reaching the final in his previous two appearances.
Despite Littler being the pre-tournament favourite for the World Darts Championship, Price is confident of going all the way.
“I am winning. Honestly, I’m not losing – nobody is beating me this year,” he said.
Price explained he deletes social media before big events to stay focused.
“I believe in my own ability,” he added.
“I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m definitely coming through every game.”
Price has enjoyed a strong year away from the TV cameras.
He topped the PDC ProTour Order of Merit and won titles on the European Tour and World Series of Darts.
However, he has not reached a major televised final since 2023.
The 2021 champion is aiming to progress beyond the quarter-finals at the World Darts Championship for the first time since his title win.
That success came without spectators due to Covid-19.
Price was pleased with both his performance and the crowd support.
“I played pretty decent apart from the two legs I gave away,” he told Sky Sports.
“For a first-round game, that was okay, but I need to improve.”
Price also highlighted his motivation.
“If I win the million, it won’t change my life,” he said.
“I want to win trophies and be back in the top four in the world.”
Mardle Praises ‘Outstanding’ Price
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle was impressed by Price’s display.
“The scoring was outrageous,” said the four-time World Championship semi-finalist.
“He looked comfortable, confident, and full of energy.”
Mardle expects Price to meet Littler in the quarter-finals.
“If he gets rid of Littler, he’ll start thinking about being world champion again,” he added.
“That performance was so impressive – the scoring was brutal.”
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