PDC chief executive Matt Porter insists he isn’t worried by Gerwyn Price’s threat to the never play at the World Darts Championship again.
Price was stunningly knocked out of tournament by German Gabriel Clemens, who roared to a 5-1 victory in front of a lively Alexandra Palace crowd in the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day.
After being barracked and booed during the contest, The Iceman emerged for the fifth set, at 3-1 down, wearing a pair of heavy-duty ear-defenders. The failed to have the desired effect, with Price ditching the headwear just a set later before limping out of the tournament.
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Almost immediately after leaving the stage, Price took to Instagram to hit out at the crowd and say he may never play in the tournament again.
“So frustrating, you play all year round preparing for this one tournament. So gutted I wasn’t let play but Good luck everyone left in. Not sure I will ever play in this event again,” he posted.
The post, which was subsequently deleted along with the rest of his Instagram activity, triggered fears from some fans that Price will quit the sport entirely. While Price polarises opinion, that would be a huge blow to darts as he remains one of the sport’s biggest draws.
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(Image: PA)
However, Porter is not concerned and fully expects Price to take part in the 2024 World Championship.
“I completely ignore those comments because he made them five minutes after losing the match. He deleted it. I’m sure we’ll see him back in the World Championship again,” Porter told talkSPORT 2 ahead of tonight’s final between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith.
Price is scheduled to return to action next week at the inaugural Bahrain Darts Masters, part of the World Series. And unless he decides not to take part, the Welshman will be in the Premier League field, with the darting roadshow beginning in Belfast on February 2.
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