Gerwyn Price has made a last-minute decision to withdraw from the UK Open Pool Championship, just 48 hours before the Premier League Darts play-offs. The Welsh darts star had been scheduled to face Kostiantyn Ivanov in the pool tournament, which also features Barry Hearn and talkSPORT's Andy Goldstein.
Price Prioritises Premier League Darts
Price, known as 'The Iceman', had previously hinted he might skip the darts play-offs to participate in the pool event. Speaking in April after his invitation was confirmed, he told Sky Sports: "I went and watched the Mosconi Cup and have taken some interest in nine-ball pool, and got an invite to the UK Open. So, I'll take it with both hands and give it a crack."
He added: "Hopefully I make the Premier League Darts play-offs, first of all. If I do, with the pool, I think I could possibly play on the Tuesday. It's double-elimination, so I'll still be in for a couple days after that. Then maybe break up a bit on Thursday [for the darts], and Friday-Saturday I should be playing [pool] again hopefully. I'm in it to win it. I wouldn't turn up if I didn't think I could win. I'm half decent! They're good players but I'm there to win."
Securing Play-Off Spot
When Price's participation in the UK Open Pool Championship was first confirmed, there were serious doubts over whether he would secure a place in the Premier League Darts play-offs. He battled it out with Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen for the remaining two top-four positions. Ultimately, Price clinched his spot at the O2 on Night 15 in Birmingham earlier this month, reaching the final before losing to Luke Humphries at the Utilita Arena.
Attention then turned to who Price would face in the semi-finals. With Humphries finishing ahead of Price on Night 16 in Sheffield last Thursday, the 'Iceman' settled for fourth place and will consequently take on table-topper Luke Littler in the last four at London's O2 Arena on Thursday night.
