Gerwyn Price got his World Darts Championship campaign off to a perfect start on Monday night. The 2021 champion dropped just two legs as he averaged 98 to defeat Conor Scutt 3-0 in under 30 minutes.
Due to the anxiety which he felt about playing in front of the Alexandra Palace crowd, Price said he had considered not playing in this year's championship.
"I was still in the house yesterday at six o'clock and I probably wasn't going to play in the tournament," he told Sky Sports.
"It's difficult to come here with the crowd really on your back. It is difficult. I'm glad the crowd were good to me today and if they carry on like this there's no reason why I can't win it."
"I was still in the house yesterday at 6 o'clock & I probably wasn't going to play in the tournament"
Gerwyn Price reveals he almost dropped out of the World Darts Championship. pic.twitter.com/OUYYWz28Ei
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 18, 2023
Price has had a good year. Along with Jonny Clayton, he won the World Cup for Wales and also reached the finals of the Premier League and Grand Prix.
"The crowd has been brilliant with me all year," Price said during his post-match press conference.
"I was a bit anxious. I'm never really nervous going on stage but today I was. I'm thankful [the crowd] were pretty good to me.
"The reception I've got over the years has not been great so I was a little bit anxious, a little bit nervous going on stage.
"All year they've been good to me but it's not the same crowd, it's not the same fans that come and watch at Ally Pally.
"When it's a tight game, the crowd are going to get involved. I expect that now and again but hopefully not too much."
Gerwyn Price opens up his campaign with a straight sets victory 🥶 pic.twitter.com/D1Sc1hptvH
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 18, 2023
When Price won the 2021 World Darts Championship, the tournament took place behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 38-year-old said he'd love to lift the trophy again in the presence of family and friends.
"To be able to win the trophy again and take it home and parade it a little bit [would be great]," he said.
"It was just sat on my kitchen table for six months. I was like, 'You may as well have it back, it's just gathering dust'. It didn't feel as special as what I thought it would."
See Also: Gerwyn Price Calls For Crazy Change To World Darts Championship
