'When I’m wearing a medium shirt instead of an XL, it feels a little bit better' - Gerwyn Price offers positive update on weight-loss journey

Gerwyn Price has indicated that he is feeling a lot better mentally as he commits very strictly to his new lifestyle changes. This may have played an impact in the 2-1 comeback win over Ryan Searle in the first round of the World Grand Prix.

Price struggled to get going early on, as Heavy Metal whitewashed the 2020 champion in the first set to claim the premature advantage. A 138 checkout from The Iceman got him on the board, before under pressure winning the final leg to level affairs. Price then took control, starting the third set with a 104 checkout before commandingly seeing out procedures in fine fashion.

Speaking to Dartsnews.com after his win, Price was relieved to leave the stage victorious. "Especially in the last set. I was clipping in that double top when it mattered," Price said. "I slipped up in the first set and didn’t really score or get into gear until the second set. So, yeah, I probably could have lost it 2–0, but I’m happy to get through and win that game.

"I always put myself under pressure in the first games of any tournament. You know, to play the likes of Ryan… it always seems to happen — like when I played Danny Noppert at the Matchplay, he’d just won a Pro Tour before me. Then Ryan Searle wins one before this event — it’s like, 'Yeah, I’m playing well,' and he is playing well too. But I’m playing well as well, so I’m pleased."

Weight loss boasting positive effects

Price has been very vocal about his weight loss and gym work, regularly updating his fans on social media with posts on his progress and routine. Over the years many darters have gone through similar lifestyle changes, but not always come out the other side as a better player, but this does not seem the case for Price.

"I don’t think so. I’ve been playing right through losing the weight, so it’s not like I had a big break and came back after shedding it all," The Iceman said. "It’s happened gradually over the last six months or so. I know how much it takes out of you on these long days with no rest, but losing the weight slowly while playing has worked for me. Just mentally I feel a lot better in myself. When I’m wearing a medium shirt instead of an XL, it feels a little bit better. As long as I’m confident in myself and feeling good going on stage, it can only help."

When travelling to events and playing abroad regularly, it can be hard no to stray from your strict routine. Price has found a way round this, fully comitting to the process. "It’s not so much the travelling; it’s more about the times and the food that’s available," he said. "Especially in Europe — you can come off stage at 10 or 11 o’clock at night, you’re absolutely starving, and the only thing you can get is fast food. I’ve just scrapped that now. I’d rather have something decent in the morning and go to bed hungry. It’s hard work, but it works."

When asked if he feared for a downturn in form on the oche due to this, he said: "No, because I knew I was losing it gradually. I wasn’t going to lose it overnight. I haven’t lost much fat on my arms — my arm is my arm — and as long as you’re practising and keeping that muscle memory and repetition, you’ll be fine. It can affect different people in different ways, but it’s been all right for me."