Gerwyn Price admitted he fell short when it mattered most after apologising to Luke Littler during their dramatic Premier League Darts play-off clash.
The Ice Man suffered heartbreak against the teenage world champion for the second year in a row, losing a deciding-leg thriller 10-9 in the semi-finals before sharing his thoughts on social media.
Posting on Instagram after the defeat, Price wrote: “Oh well on we go, not sharp enough when it mattered, tough long campaign this year but enjoyed every minute.
“Thanks everyone once again for showing me the utmost respect and support all the way through. Week off then back on the wagon we go.”
Price pushed Littler all the way in a tense encounter at the O2 Arena, but the match also featured an awkward moment that forced the Welshman to apologise mid-game.
During the 15th leg, Price produced a stunning 170 checkout — the biggest finish possible in darts — and celebrated by mimicking reeling in a giant fish.
However, Littler had already stepped up to begin the next leg and appeared frustrated as he complained to referee Huw Ware while Price was still removing his darts from the board.
Ware later warned Price over the incident, prompting the former world champion to immediately apologise to Littler before the pair exchanged a brief hug and continued the match.
Price mounted a brilliant comeback after trailing 9-4, winning five of the next six legs to level the contest at 9-9.
But Littler kept his composure in the decider to book another Premier League final against long-time rival Luke Humphries.
Humphries had earlier edged past Jonny Clayton in another last-leg showdown before Littler gained revenge for his 2025 final defeat by beating Cool Hand in yet another deciding leg.
Both players missed match darts in a nerve-shredding finale before Littler eventually sealed the title.
The 19-year-old then broke down in tears during his post-match interview and revealed he had considered quitting the sport during difficult moments earlier in the campaign.
“It was a rollercoaster first four weeks, bottom of the table, but then the fifth night I won my first night,” Littler said.
“I had to pick myself up, some tough times.
“I think I had a 79 average in Brighton or something like that and it was tough. But I am here with the trophy.”
Fighting back tears, he added: “After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was sat at home saying to Faith: ‘I don’t want to do it anymore, just the crowd every week’.
“I said to her: ‘I’m down bad’.”
The Manchester incident came after Littler clashed with Gian van Veen during a heated match earlier in the season.
The teenager appeared to direct a gesture towards the Dutchman after he missed a dart at double 15, with some fans criticising Littler’s reaction on social media.
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