Gerwyn Price admits he will have to adjust to the new playing environment quicker than he did at the World Matchplay if he is to force his way into the Unibet Premier League Play-Off picture next week.
Price's miserable run at the World Matchplay continued as he went down 10-7 to Danny Noppert, his fourth successive first round exit at the summer event.
The world number three believes the unique playing conditions contributed to his demise as he prepares for Tuesday's first match back against Nathan Aspinall, who also suffered a round one defeat in Milton Keynes.
"I just didn't adjust to the new surroundings at the World Matchplay and I couldn't get myself going in that match," Price admitted.
"I'm at my best in big majors when I've got the crowd behind me giving me the adrenaline I need.
“But I think in any tournament the first round is always the toughest one, especially playing in the new conditions.
“I just wasn’t confident going into the Matchplay having not played for so long. Sometimes the crowd can help you and pull you through games.
“I think 2020 is a write-off in some ways but I haven’t written the league off yet, hopefully I can stay in it until the end, get to the final and win it."
Price currently sits seventh on the Premier League ladder, three points clear of the drop, after a win, three draws and two defeats from his pre-lockdown meetings.
Having endured a disaster debut campaign in 2018, the 35-year-old found his feet in 2019 though too many draws saw him narrowly miss out on a place at The O2.
“I felt I was going to do a bit better this year with it being my third chance at the Premier League," Price continued.
"It’s tough playing against the best players week-in, week-out and be on top of your game. If you are one per cent off then you are not going to win games.
“I think I’ve been lucky to draw a few games this time. I’m enjoying it and love playing in the Premier League now but hopefully I can get a couple of wins. But I’m not putting myself under too much pressure.
“It’s going to be a toss of the coin who wins games, it’s going to be whoever gets out of the box quickest."
Away from the oche, the Welshman has a keen interest in greyhound racing and recently purchased his first racing dog, which he aptly named 'Grandslam Champ'.
“I bought the dog about a month ago. It’s still out in Ireland. I don’t expect miracles with the dog but he’s in the Derby, he’s got a chance," said Price.
“He came from behind last time which I didn’t expect. I don’t think he’ll win the race but I hope he can finish in the top three.
“I love the greyhounds, it’s just a pity I can’t get to Dublin to watch with the current restrictions. But I’ll be watching over the live stream.
“I’ve got a few other dogs. I enjoy watching them running. I don’t mind if they don’t win, the main thing is that they enjoy it and get looked after.
“If he gets to the final I think I’ll be more happy than when I won the Grand Slam!"
Star On The Big Screen!
Be part of the action when the Unibet Premier League resumes on Tuesday August 25.
Whilst the action will not include a live audience, following the success of involving fans in the action at the recent World Matchplay there will be the opportunity to provide videos and pictures to be displayed on a giant screen inside the arena during the events.
Fans are encouraged to share their videos and pictures with the PDC through this link.
Fans from cities where the Premier League would have originally visited during that period - Birmingham, Rotterdam, Berlin, Belfast and Leeds - are encouraged to wear the colours of their city or even send in videos & photos by local landmarks!
Download The 180 Card!
Fans can also download the Unibet Premier League 180 Card to print at home - use this to write on messages for your pictures, or simply use at home during the events!
Click here to download the Unibet Premier League 180 Card.
Buy A Programme!
The official Unibet Premier League event programme can be purchased now for just £1+P&P from Curtis Sport.