Darts star Gerwyn Price has never been one for conventional behaviour. Whether it be wearing ear protectors, winding up crowds, or screaming in celebration at the oche, the 'Iceman' has long divided opinion as one of the sport's most colourful characters.
However, the apparent inspiration behind his latest tournament win is strange even for him. Price claimed his sixth World Series title at the Poland Darts Masters this weekend, beating Stephen Bunting 8-7 in a thrilling final. After missing three match darts, he spectacularly took out 91 with a double-double finish on 17 and tops to seal glory at the PreZero Arena.
The final followed the 40-year-old notching a 100.68 average to hammer Rob Cross 7-3 in the semi-final. He had been even better in the last eight, beating Chris Dobey 6-2 with a 104.29 average.
Afterwards, he revealed the secret behind his success. Although it's a formula that's worked before, it's not a ploy many of his rivals are likely to replicate anytime soon.
"A couple of years ago in 2018 I went to Ireland I lost my case," he said. "I had to change my darts and my clothes alongside my shoes. Then I went on to win the Grand Slam and the rest is history."
Incredibly, history repeated itself in Poland with the Welshman adding: "I've lost my case this weekend - new darts, new shoes, new clothes, new me - so here we go."
Price had to fight back from 4-2 down against Bunting, but seemed to revel in his new role as a fan favourite. Indeed, he credited supporters for keeping him going through his struggles in the early stages.
"I stuck in there till the end and the crowd were fantastic," he said. "I'm not saying they got me through the game, but they helped. To go in and fire the winning leg on two doubles when I couldn't hit one all night was fantastic, so I am over the moon."
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