'It was a tournament I threw away': Gerwyn Price battles back from illness, chases US Darts Masters redemption

Gerwyn Price lost 8-7 in the final of the US Darts Masters last year to Rob Cross and despite recent illness is raring to go to play in this year's tournament and finally seal an American dream.

Price had to withdraw from exhibitions over the weekend including in Waregem where he was replaced by 15-year-old wonderkid, Lex Paeshuyse last minute. He said that he spent 18 out of the previous 24 hours bed ridden as he couldn't move due to his sickness.

But as another year approaches in New York, he finally wants to tick off one of the final countries he has not yet won in.

“I was a little bit gutted last year. It was a tournament I threw away," said Price.

“I’m back here again which is nice. It’s great to have the invite and hopefully lift the trophy.

“I’ve won in every country just not in America. I’m playing well enough and enjoying my darts.

“I’m enjoying travelling so fingers crossed it all comes together.”

But part of his upturn in form as of late has been a positive mindset. Instead of being down on himself through playing in the Premier League, he has seen the positive side and it has paid dividends. He said that he just wants to find his best form now post Premier League and the rest will speak for itself.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s difficult throughout the Premier League trying to balance everything.

“I think going from the Premier League to ProTour events and Europeans. But I have been a lot more positive this year which has definitely helped.

“I just need to find my best form when the Premier League is behind us, so fingers crossed that is what will happen the rest of this week and the year.

“It is tough being in the Premier League. It has not been great to me the last couple of years. I’ve been a bit too down on myself when I have been travelling but this year, I am a lot more positive.

“Not just for myself but off the fans and everything which is good.”