Gerwyn Price appeared to be cruising to a first major title in years when he stormed 3-0 ahead against Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final in Leicester. The Welshman was averaging 132 during the opening set and producing some of the best darts ever seen in the double-in, double-out format. But disaster struck as Humphries grew into the contest and Price wilted, with the Englishman completing a miraculous comeback to win 6-4.
It was a repeat of the 2023 showpiece, which saw Humphries claim his maiden major title, and a fitting return to the winners' circle for 'Cool Hand Luke'. For Price, it was another bitter disappointment. He had played magnificently all week, featuring in a third straight televised final, defeating Sebastian Bialecki, Ross Smith, Jonny Clayton and Aspinall to progress. Yet after going 3-0 up, he managed only one more set as Humphries took the trophy.
Speaking afterwards, Price quipped: "I don't think I want to win a major, do I? No, I mean, I knew he played brilliantly in the middle part of the game, but I still squandered so many opportunities to put him under a little bit of pressure. I was 3-0 up, then he was 4-3 up, I got it back to 4-4, and I missed doubles to go into the next break at 5-4. I missed so many opportunities. I felt like it was a fantastic game. I was playing brilliantly, Luke was playing brilliantly, and it was whoever took the opportunities."
He added: "I missed quite a few at crucial times, but Luke played fantastic as well, and fair play to the crowd; they were fantastic. Gutted, I lost another one, but like I said, I'll move on now. I'm not bothered. I am bothered."
Price also joked that he wasn't sure it was ever going to happen and that he feels destined to work on his farm over having darting success. But for the 2021 world champion, it is another reminder of the darting prowess he has been able to serve up. Can 'The Iceman' edge out of his major slump? Time will tell, but the signs are positive.
