“Just what I didn’t want, back to hospital it is”: Gerwyn Price withdrew from Players Championship 24 with hand injury setback
Gerwyn Price Withdraws from Players Championship 24 Due to Hand Injury Setback
Gerwyn Price, the world No. 6 darts star, abruptly withdrew from Players Championship 24 in Milton Keynes on August 25, 2025, after a recurring hand injury flared up, forcing him back to the hospital. The Welshman, known as “The Iceman,” shared his frustration on Instagram, posting a photo of his severely swollen right hand with the caption, “Just what I didn’t want, back to the hospital it is” (*DartsNews.com*, August 25, 2025). The setback, which echoes a 2022 hand fracture, has sparked concern among fans as Price faces a critical stretch of the 2025 season.
Injury Details and Withdrawal
Price, a former PDC World Champion, was set to compete in the ProTour event but was absent from the draw, later revealing the injury via social media. The image showed his throwing hand visibly swollen, a condition similar to a 2022 fracture that sidelined him from a Premier League night (*SportBible.com*, August 26, 2025). Back then, he played through the pain to win a Players Championship title, but this time, the severity forced his withdrawal. Price offered no specific diagnosis, but the timing is inopportune, with the Flanders Darts Trophy, Czech Darts Open, and World Series Finals looming (*DartsNews.com*). Fans on X expressed worry, with one post stating, “Gutted for Gerwyn. That hand looks bad—hope he’s back for Antwerp” (@DartsFanatic, August 25, 2025).
Impact on Price’s Season
Price’s 2025 season has been a resurgence, with titles at Players Championship 9, Poland Darts Masters, and Baltic Sea Darts Open, positioning him as a favorite for PC24 (*SportBible.com*). His withdrawal handed a bye to his scheduled opponent, though the event saw Jeffrey de Graaf claim a maiden ProTour title, defeating Stephen Bunting 8-7 (*DartsNews.com*). Price’s history of playing through injuries, including a 2022 Premier League semi-final with a splint, suggests resilience, but the recurring issue raises questions about his participation in upcoming majors. One X post noted, “Price’s hand injury is a big blow. He was on fire this season!” (@TungstenTales, August 25, 2025).
Broader Context
Price’s setback mirrors challenges faced by athletes like Luke Littler, who withdrew from Players Championship 25 after a taxing match, or Emma Raducanu, managing injuries at the US Open. His absence opened the door for players like Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen to shine, though fans hope for a swift recovery given Price’s 42 PDC titles (*Wikipedia.org*). As he heads to the hospital, the darts community awaits updates, with one fan posting, “Get well soon, Iceman! We need you at the Worlds” (@TheConnorCain, August 26, 2025). Price’s resolve will be tested as he aims to return for the European Tour and beyond.
