Gerwyn Price believes he’s almost back to his best as he targets a World Series of Darts hat-trick in Australia and New Zealand over the coming weeks.
The Welshman is making his first darting appearance Down Under, after the 2020 World Series of Darts roadshow was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Price endured an underwhelming start to 2022 before reclaiming the world number one spot following last month’s Betfred World Matchplay, and he’s in positive spirits ahead of August’s treble-header.
“Two years ago I was invited to come to Australia and New Zealand and I was really looking forward to it, but then Covid hit,” Price reflected.
“It’s nice that my form is still there and I’m still getting invited to these events, so it’s going to be a good trip and I’m really looking forward to playing.
“It will be nice to spend some time with the family because they’re coming with me for three weeks, and it will be great to meet some of my fans down there. Hopefully I can put on a show!”
The 37-year-old will begin his bid Down Under at the PalmerBet Queensland Darts Masters on August 12-13, before the action rolls into Wollongong for the PalmerBet New South Wales Darts Masters on August 19-20.
This year’s extravaganza then concludes with the TAB New Zealand Darts Masters in Hamilton from August 26-27, and Price is bullish about his prospects following his return to form at the Winter Gardens.
“It’s been a tough ride at times, especially over the last two years,” conceded the 2021 World Champion.
“Things seem to be getting a little bit better now. I’ve managed to get the world number one spot back and I think psychologically it gives me an edge.
“Especially with the standard of the sport at the moment, to be at the top of the tree is a great feeling.
“There’s a big target on my back, but I relish that pressure and hopefully I can stay at the top for a long time.”
The world number one is without a PDC ranking title since March, suffering a fractured hand earlier that month which derailed his Cazoo Premier League campaign.
However, he was rejuvenated at the World Matchplay, producing a string of fine performances to reach his first Blackpool final, only to succumb to Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling contest.
“I want to win. It’s all well and good playing well, but you want to pick up trophies,” added Price, a former World Series of Darts Finals champion.
“I played really well at the World Matchplay, and I played well on the ProTour last week.
“At the World Matchplay the crowd were 100% behind me and it certainly helped that I was playing a lot better and getting to the final, so hopefully I get a lot of support here.
“My mind is in a good place, my form is coming back to where it should be.
“It’s nice going to Australia and New Zealand knowing I’m almost back to my best, so I’m in with a chance and I’m going there to win all three [events].”
Price is also eyeing further history over the next few months, fresh from landing a sensational nine-darter in his semi-final win over UK Open champion Danny Noppert at the Winter Gardens.
That saw the Welsh star become the first man in PDC history to land four televised nine-darters in a calendar year, and with five months of the season remaining, he’s confident of adding to his haul.
“There’s no reason why I can’t,” said Price, who achieved perfection at last year’s World Championship, before landing a brace of nine-darters on Night Three of the Cazoo Premier League in February.
“I missed two nine-darters at a ProTour event last week, and my form is definitely back in a place where I can reel off these legs.
“There’s plenty of opportunities with three tournaments Down Under, so I’m sure I will hit one, if not two or maybe three!
“There is definitely a target on my back, but to get back to world number one gives me a real confidence boost, and hopefully I can continue this form when I get there.”
PalmerBet Queensland Darts Masters
PDC Representatives
Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, Joe Cullen, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Fallon Sherrock
Oceanic Representatives
Damon Heta, Simon Whitlock, Gordon Mathers, Bailey Marsh, Koha Kokiri, Dave Marland, Joe Comito, Haupai Puha
PalmerBet New South Wales Darts Masters
PDC Representatives
Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, Joe Cullen, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Fallon Sherrock
Oceanic Representatives
Damon Heta, Simon Whitlock, Gordon Mathers, Dave Marland, Koha Kokiri, Raymond O'Donnell, Mal Cuming, Haupai Puha
TAB New Zealand Darts Masters
PDC Representatives
Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, Joe Cullen, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Fallon Sherrock
Oceanic Representatives
Damon Heta, Simon Whitlock, Gordon Mathers, Bernie Smith, Kayden Milne, Mal Cuming, Ben Robb, Warren Parry