Muscles instead of belly: Price and his fabulous darts journey

First, the first world champion from Wales dragged the 25 kilogram Sid Waddell Trophy across the confetti rain in the Alexandra Palace, which was empty due to the corona. Then the former rugby professional had to celebrate in the London hotel without his wife and two daughters. But Price didn't let it spoil the biggest victory of his career in the slightest. With the World Cup trophy in his arms, he said, beaming and in great spirits: “I hope that the 500 pounds feel just as heavy.”

The furious 7:3 final victory over Scotland's former world champion Gary Anderson was a crowning achievement for the muscular Price in two respects. The 35-year-old can now not only call himself world champion, he also replaced Dutch leader Michael van Gerwen as number one in the world rankings on Monday after his seven-year reign. Darts legend Taylor congratulates “Words cannot describe what I feel. It's probably more difficult to become number one than world champion. “To be able to do both at the same time is unbelievable for me,” said Price. England's record world champion Phil Taylor congratulated Price directly on social media and said he had played “brilliantly”. From the rugby field to the darts board For Price, it is the highlight of his transition from the rugby field to the darts board, which he finally completed in 2014. The dream of the Welsh national team had previously been dashed after he injured his wrist. Price once said about himself: “A few years ago I was still a rugby player, today I take money out of the pockets of darts professionals.” Showy and provocative statements like these made Price unpopular. Fans liked to boo him frequently and loudly. He is a blessing for the PDC world association, as he serves the desire for real guys better than almost anyone else.

“I have never felt such pressure in my life.” Gerwyn Price In the rush of victory on Sunday, Price wanted to finally close the old chapter. “Rugby is over, I am world champion and number one in the world,” said “The Iceman”, who performed brilliantly in the final and only had to worry about victory once when he missed eleven match darts on a double court. Price explained that he had never felt such pressure in his life. Many television viewers who are critical of darts may have been surprised that a well-defined muscular man won the most important tournament in the world and not a professional with a belly or at least a bit of a stomach.

Gerwyn Price cheers. The Welshman is the new darts world champion. © FIRO/SID

Price isn't just different in this respect. Due to the usual customs in his old sport, the Welshman is used to different customs. In recent years he hasn't paid much attention to etiquette on the darts board. He once told the daily newspaper “Die Welt” about fans who disliked him: “That doesn’t concern me. They can throw beer or coins at me, spit on me. That wouldn’t faze me.”

“He’s a little over it sometimes, but these are emotions and sport needs emotions.” Max Hopp on Gerwyn Price Price maintained his image as a bad boy over a long period of time, but in the Corona year he held back from making such statements. But the loud and striking “BUAAAAAAH!” after successful throws has remained. Germany's top professional Max Hopp is enthusiastic about Price and his attitude. “Gerwyn is not a bad guy. Sometimes he’s a little over it, but these are emotions and sport needs emotions,” said Hopp on Sport1. The 24-year-old had already tipped Price to be the winner before the tournament.

“There is no greater day than this” Gerwyn Price The 2021 world champion had won the most titles in the past season and was actually considered a big favorite alongside van Gerwen and defending champion Peter Wright. The fact that the well-funded coup in London actually succeeded left him a little stunned. “There is no greater day than this. A big thank you goes to the family. When I get home I’ll definitely celebrate with them,” Price said. The World Cup title means the world to him.

Triumph is the result of a steady rise. Over the years, career changer Price improved from 76th place to 31st, 20th, 13th, 7th and 3rd - now he is at the top. Price sees himself as the “Grinch” of darts: not because of his green costume as a Christmas thief, but because he steals successes from his rivals.

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Muscles instead of belly: Price and his fabulous darts journey

Triumphant Gerwyn Price enjoyed the most exciting hours of his darts career all alone.

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