Gerwyn Price has put his World Matchplay preparation under fresh scrutiny after admitting in New York that his focus and practice levels have dropped before Blackpool.
The Welshman beat Brayden Hall 6-4 in the first round of the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden, but the bigger story came afterwards. Price said he had not been mentally sharp for weeks and accepted his approach to games was not where it needed to be.
According to DartsNews’ report on Price’s New York comments, the former world champion also pointed to reduced practice since the Premier League and distractions away from the oche.
Matchplay clock now matters
That timing is awkward. The World Matchplay starts at the Winter Gardens in July, and Price openly named the Blackpool major as one of the ranking events he wants most. He also said he had missed much of the ProTour and European Tour rhythm that usually keeps elite players sharp.
Price still backed his talent to carry him through tournaments, but the admission changes the tone around his summer. This is not a form dip hidden behind a defeat. It is a leading contender winning a match while warning that his mind is not yet locked on darts.
