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Gerwyn Price has become renowned for his knee jerk reactions following defeats but the former world number one has now questioned whether he will compete in another World Darts Championship following his quarter-final exit.
Price was on the receiving end of an exceptional showing from Germany’s Gabriel Clemens, who reached his maiden major semi-final with a 99.94 average and sublime 136 checkout in a career-best performance.
Clemens was backed by hundreds of travelling Germans in the Alexandra Palace audience, who witnessed their national number one progress with an emphatic 5-1 victory to become the first World Championship semi-finalist from his country.
Price was distracted on occasions by the partisan German faithful despite the Welshman having his fair share of support until wearing ear defenders in unprecedented fashion after his opponent constructed a 3-1 advantage in sets.
He was given the green light to wear the ear defenders, with the rules stating that players should seek permission before wearing any form of headgear including earphones and headphones.
Price, who famously lifted the world title behind closed doors three years ago, aired his views via Instagram. “So frustrating you play all year round preparing for this one tournament,” he expressed alongside three sad emojis.
“So gutted I wasn’t let play but good luck to everyone left in. Not sure if I will ever play in this event again.”
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle tweeted in response: “When Gerwyn donned the ear wear tonight and started joking with the crowd, I actually thought he would win them over with humour, obviously not.
“It’s sad he felt that he had to put them on. I really hope he hasn’t invited more boos going forward. The sport needs him.”
Price’s social media story has since been removed along with his entire Instagram account ahead of his next appearance, which comes as soon as the inaugural Bahrain Darts Masters from January 12-13.
