Gerwyn Price’s recent comments have sparked confusion and some concern around the Welsh star
Gerwyn Price has hinted at needing a break from darts(Image: Getty)
Gerwyn Price’s health concerns and off-field activities have generated plenty of noise in recent weeks.
The Welshman, ranked eighth in the PDC’s Order of Merit, has shown flashes of brilliance in Premier League Darts this term. But he has been struggling with inconsistency and health concerns, punctuated by early Premier League exits and his recent withdrawal from the World Cup of Darts.
The Iceman currently sits third in the Premier League table but hasn’t mathematically secured his place in the play-offs later this month. The 2021 world champion is still on course to play at The O2 on May 28 despite the recent uncertainty.
Here, WalesOnline takes a look at the latest developments surrounding Price.
Health latest
Price recently admitted he is battling health problems after a crushing Premier League Darts loss in Leeds. His ambitions of playing at London’s O2 Arena were dealt a blow last week as he was defeated 6-2 by fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton.
After the loss to Clayton, Price made a candid admission about his health. He said: “My focus is there, it’s just health-wise I am not in a great place at the moment. But I am battling on and searching for some results. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks they will come and they will put me at ease. Then I will be able to enjoy darts again. Frustrating times.
“Time to rely on Lady Luck and see what happens over the next two weeks. Hopefully make the play-offs but I need a lot of luck to go my way. Hopefully see you at the O2. It’s not good playing once a week and hopefully I get the results I want in three weeks’ time.”
Price recently opened up about a health concern(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Price went on to announce that he will be pulling out of the World Cup of Darts, where he was due to represent Wales. It marks the second time in three years that the Welsh thrower hasn’t competed at the World Cup.
He later confirmed the decision was not linked to his health, posting on Instagram: “Just to clarify, I have not withdrawn from the World Cup because of health reasons,” along with three thumbs up.
Darts retirement intentions
Price recently hinted at potentially stepping away from darts. The Iceman lost 8-3 to Wessel Nijman in March’s European Darts Trophy final and expressed his disappointment at coming up short once again.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Great weekend for me, another final but very frustrating in the end. Onto Dublin this week. Need a break from this, I think it’s so tough mentally. But I’ll push on, thanks for the support.”
The 41-year-old’s comments suggested he could be considering a hiatus following his struggles in Germany. Price has several ventures to focus on should he decide to take a temporary step back from the competitive scene, including running a farm in Treharris and operating a chip shop named Chippy 501. The former world champion has been expanding his business interests outside the sport in recent years. This began with buying the chip shop in 2024, which has since flourished in his home town of Markham.
Gerwyn Price at Chippy 501(Image: Sky Sports)
The eatery was transformed from a former pharmacy and the Iceman acknowledged that managing Chippy 501 – a nod to his professional career – had diverted his attention from darts. In December 2024, he said: “That’s probably why I was losing and playing rubbish – my mind was elsewhere.
“I’m glad now it’s up and running rather than me having to worry about it too much. It wasn’t just about opening it. I’ve got cameras in the shop and I was always checking them on my phone. Yeah, it can affect the oche. I’m eating fish and chips all the time. I set up a 10 per cent discount for myself.”
The darts ace admitted he could retire solely based on his earnings from his day job and the chippy itself. However, Price has also highlighted his ambitions to secure more trophies in the sport. He stated in June 2025 that he wants to carry on playing at an elite level for the “next ten years”, further indicating that he will likely remain on the tour for the foreseeable future.
Pool career change vow
Price revealed earlier this month that he will be switching sports later in May to take part in the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship, vowing that he’s “in it to win it”. He was awarded a wildcard entry to compete at the tournament, which is being staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26-31.
The event will see more than 250 competitors from over 50 countries compete for a substantial prize fund of £167,500, with Price opting to accept the invitation. Price is a passionate pool player and appeared at last year’s Mosconi Cup, taking part in an exhibition pro-am pool event at Alexandra Palace.
The Iceman faces a scheduling challenge as he also tries to qualify for the Premier League Darts play-offs, which will take place at The O2 on May 28. But he has insisted he can juggle both sports and is not there simply to make up the numbers at the UK Open.
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