Following his Cardiff heroics Gerwyn Price marches to Birmingham on May eight in search of a third nightly crown that would slam the door on play off hopefuls. The Utilita Arena has witnessed some of his most combative performances and the Welshman seems to draw energy from the regular chorus of boos that greet his arrival.
Price begins the evening against Nathan Aspinall who battles an ankle complaint sustained during a marathon European Tour weekend. The Iceman has lengthened his dart stems by one millimetre to steady flight wobble and early practice sessions show groupings tighter than ever around the treble twenty bed.
Victory in the opener could tee up a semi final clash with Luke Littler that many fans consider a dress rehearsal for the London finale. Price has pledged to meet the teenager scoring with raw emotion and crowd engagement believing that atmosphere can unsettle less experienced shoulders.
Statistically Price leads the field on double success at fifty two percent and has closed fourteen legs in twelve darts or fewer this season. Analysts credit a renewed gym routine that improved shoulder endurance and maintained consistent release late in long evenings.
A trophy at Birmingham would lift him above thirty points almost guaranteeing a top four slot with two nights left. When asked who can stop his charge Price grinned and replied maybe only the man in the mirror. Opponents realise that self belief often translates into tungsten carnage when the Iceman smells opportunity.
