Wayne Mardle has dismissed any talk of Gerwyn Price walking away from darts, insisting the former world champion remains as hungry as ever despite another painful major final defeat. The ex-pro and darts analyst even believes Price will be lifting big trophies again soon.
Price, the world number four, looked on course for the title at the World Grand Prix on Sunday evening, only for Luke Humphries to overturn a 3-0 deficit and edge it 6-4. It was already the 41-year-old Welshman's third lost final at a big PDC event this season. Earlier, Price reached the World Matchplay final, where Luke Littler proved too strong, and he also fell short in the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, where Ross Smith snatched the title from his grasp.
That means Price is still waiting for his next big TV title, with his last major triumph dating back to 2022 — prompting periodic speculation about how long The Iceman will keep competing at the top level. Mardle, however, sees no reason to think Price will be putting his darts away any time soon. "I don't think Gerwyn Price will give up," Mardle told William Hill. "He's a born winner and was just disappointed after the final."
For Mardle, that disappointment says plenty about the former world champion's mindset. He believes Price still wants nothing more than to land another big prize. "He talked about making changes during last week to make sure he wins. He's desperate to, and I can see him winning more tournaments. I even tipped him to win the World Grand Prix final."
Price himself tried to put his latest setback into perspective afterwards. Although he let a 3-0 lead slip, the Welshman stressed that darts is no longer the only thing that matters in his life. "Like I said last week I don't care," Price said after losing to Humphries. "I'm enjoying darts. I'm enjoying life." He then referred again to his plans outside the sport. "I'm going to be a farmer. I don't give a s*** like. Luke [Humphries] is a great player. I am earning a great living. I have the best family. I don't mind."
Yet there seems to be a gap between Price's relaxed words and the fierce drive he still shows on stage. His 2026 results also underline that he remains part of the absolute world elite. Three finals at major PDC tournaments in one season have not yet delivered a new major title, but they do show Price is edging ever closer to the top prize. Mardle does not expect the Welshman to accept his run of lost finals. On the contrary, the former pro believes the hunger for another big title is very much intact.
