Gerwyn Price has recently hit back at Mike De Decker following De Decker’s criticism of his Premier League selection. Price found himself at the receiving end of De Decker and Dave Chisnall’s complaints, as they believed they were more deserving of a spot in the prestigious tournament. Both De Decker and Chisnall were left out of the line-up, prompting De Decker to describe his exclusion as “scandalous” and questioning Price and Nathan Aspinall’s qualifications for the competition.
The controversy arose when Price and Aspinall were chosen as wildcard picks for the 2025 Premier League, set to commence in Belfast. Despite their underwhelming performances in 2024, their selection was based on factors such as their showmanship and popularity among fans. De De Decker and Chisnall, however, expressed their discontent with the decision, with De De Decker specifically criticising Aspinall’s selection, attributing it to his flashy walk-on supported by the band, The Killers.
In response to the criticism, Price emphasised the importance of consistent performance in determining one’s place in the league. He acknowledged that players like De De Decker have the right to voice their opinions but highlighted that achieving one major success is insufficient. Price underlined the need for sustained excellence over multiple seasons to justify a spot in the competition, stating that “winning one major final probably isn’t good enough, you have to back it up and keep doing it year on year.”
Defending his own selection, Price asserted that he and Aspinall have been consistent performers over the years and should not be judged solely on one subpar season. He expressed his readiness to prove his worth in the upcoming tournament, stating, “People have said I don’t deserve it, that Nathan doesn’t deserve it. But we’ve been playing well for years. One blip doesn’t mean we have to get kicked out.” Price is determined to make the most of this second chance and is prepared to showcase his skills on the darting stage once again.
Price is set to face fellow wildcard pick Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals in Belfast. The Utilita Arena in Cardiff will host night seven of the tournament on March 20. As the darting world eagerly anticipates the unfolding drama of the Premier League, Price’s response to De De Decker’s criticism adds an extra layer of intrigue to the competition. Fans will be watching closely to see if Price can deliver a performance that silences his detractors and cements his place amongst the darting elite.
The clash of opinions between Price and De De Decker underscores the competitive nature of professional darts and the intense scrutiny faced by players vying for recognition in the sport. Price’s unwavering confidence in his abilities and determination to prove his critics wrong sets the stage for a compelling narrative as the Premier League unfolds. With tensions simmering and rivalries brewing, the darting world is primed for an exciting spectacle that promises thrills, surprises, and high-stakes action on the oche.