Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney were embroiled in a fiery on-stage clash after the former’s win at the World Matchplay on Monday.
‘Iceman’ Price celebrated heartily after staving off a comeback to win 10-7 – unleashing a trademark roar and a barrage of fist pumps – to leave Gurney fuming.
That led to a tense situation as Gurney sarcastically imitated Price’s antics before the duo exchanged words while shaking hands. It’s not clear what Price said, though the consensus among amateur lip-readers on X suggests it was: ‘Well played buddy’.
As they parted, Price turned back to fire off another verbal hit before milking the celebrations again in front of the fans in Blackpool.
Price has won five titles this year, more than any other player, and will face Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay, one of the PDC majors.
He quickly exited the stage to celebrate, leaving a bemused Gurney alone to throw some of his flights to supporters.
Gerwyn Price’s passionate celebrations seemed to get on the nerves of opponent Daryl Gurney
The darts star mocked his Welsh adversary, who ultimately won 10-7 at the World Matchplay
Sky Sports’ Mark Webster said: ‘Gerwyn Price was taking liberty to Daryl Gurney’s mimicking of him [which he had done throughout the contest].
‘They’re feisty characters, aren’t they? It’ll get sorted, I’m sure of it. It was just a feisty handshake.’
‘Let’s not take it away from what was a brilliant game. Price kept it in check until he got that winning leg and Gerwyn Price gets the last laugh.’
So, tempers flaring, mocking celebrations, and a feisty handshake – but did Price have anything to say on the incident?
He steered clear of going into details in his press conference, saying: ‘I’ve learnt to try and keep my emotions in tact at key points sometimes.
‘I did today in two or three legs where my head was going to blow off. I just had to keep it in.
‘I was beating myself up about missed opportunities. I just give myself a kick up the backside.
‘I can only play four or five games in this tournament. I just concentrate on my game and go through my rounds. If I get to the final then happy days.’
That led to a tense situation as Gurney sarcastically imitated Price’s antics before the duo exchanged words while shaking hands
Gurney had mocked Price with a mimicking celebration after pulling it back to 6-3 earlier on the night.
But his Welsh opponent came through and checked out from 81, finishing on a double 12 to advance to the last eight.
