Gerwyn Price Braces for Tough Test in Exeter
Gerwyn Price faces an added challenge in Exeter tonight as the Premier League Darts heads to England for the first time this season.
The Welshman has made an impressive start to the 2025 Premier League campaign, proving his critics wrong with a string of strong performances. Despite initial backlash over his inclusion in the tournament from players and pundits, the Iceman has kept his composure, letting his darts do the talking.
After three rounds of action, Price sits second in the standings, a position boosted by his dominant win in Dublin last week. He produced one of the most impressive weekly triumphs since the Premier League’s format revamp in 2022, defeating Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Nathan Aspinall on his way to victory.
Playing with a renewed sense of joy, Price seems to have put the struggles of his winless 2024 campaign behind him. Adding to the surprise, the Welshman—who has often been cast as darts’ pantomime villain—has enjoyed unexpected crowd support in the early weeks of this year’s tournament.
That was certainly the case in Dublin, where Price was warmly received. Reflecting on the crowd’s reaction after his win, he said:
“For me, they were amazing. But I guess for the likes of Luke Littler today, they’d probably say different. But, you know, I’ve had that treatment everywhere I go for the last six years. I’m sure Luke and the rest of the boys will have plenty of support for the rest of the Premier League.”
However, things could be very different tonight. English crowds haven’t always been kind to Price, with the most infamous incident occurring at the 2023 World Championship, when he emerged from a break wearing ear defenders in response to hostile treatment.
Some argue that his fiery celebrations and on-stage intensity alienate fans, but Price has never been one to shy away from criticism. If Exeter’s crowd turns against him, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler will be waiting to take advantage.
Price faces an in-form Humphries in the opening round, while Littler, who has lost all five of his previous encounters with the Welshman, will be relieved to be on the opposite side of the draw.
With the atmosphere set to be electric, all eyes will be on how Price handles the pressure in Exeter.
