Former world champion admits ‘throwing sheep’ instead of darts has ruined his form after surviving huge Matchplay scare

GERWYN PRICE joked “throwing sheep” instead of darts has not helped his form after surviving a World Matchplay scare. The world No7 came back from 6-2 down to beat Martin Schindler 11-9 in Blackpool after admitting it was his worst display of the season. Gerwyn Price joked ‘throwing sheep’ instead of darts has not helped his form Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The darts icon had an epic World Matchplay scare Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Price, 41, averaged 93.88 and hit 50 per cent of his doubles as he avoided a shock first-round exit at the Winter Gardens. The Welshman recently bought acres of farmland with the aim of one day living there with his wife and two children, alongside domesticated animals. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! But Price, who next faces Rob Cross on Wednesday night, admitted his new surroundings have not exactly improved his game. He said: “That was the worst I have played all season. It goes to show, throwing sheep about instead of darts about, it doesn’t help!” The former world champion also praised the Blackpool crowd for getting behind him during his fightback. Price admitted fans were not always so welcoming during the years when he was at his best. He added: “Obviously, it means the world. It definitely helps, but I don’t know, between 2018 and 2022 is when I played my best stuff. “They were right against me! I’m not saying I want that again, but for them four years I probably played the best I ever played. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS SNAP UP THESE TOP DARTS TRAVEL DEALS Fancy watching the best players in action? “I don’t want them against me, I just want that form back. It’s nice to have them with me.” The Iceman has withdrawn from several events this season due to health issues and matters away from the oche. But Price knows he must return to regular competition and increase his practice levels if he is to end his major drought. He has not claimed a televised title since the 2022 World Series Finals. He continued: “I haven’t played a lot of darts this year apart from the Premier League and World Series. “I’ve missed a lot of ProTours and European Tours. The only problem is the ProTours coming up are mainly in Germany and I absolutely hate going to those ones. “But I think I’m going to have to if I want to build a little bit of confidence and a bit of momentum going into the back end of the year. “Stop being so lazy, kick myself up the arse and get on the ProTours and build the confidence.” Comment now