Gerwyn Price has come under fire from former professional Vincent van der Voort after the Welshman’s late withdrawal from the International Darts Open. Van der Voort, speaking on the Sportnieuws.nl podcast Darts Draait Door, criticised the timing of Price’s decision, which came only after the draw had already been made.
Price skipped last weekend’s Euro Tour event in Germany to focus on the Premier League Darts Play-Offs. While Van der Voort understands the choice itself, he questioned why Price did not withdraw earlier. “He already knew for a week that he was in that final night, didn't he? Why do you have to withdraw just after the draw? You weren't planning on going anyway, so why not just cancel earlier?” said the Dutchman.
Price finished fourth in the regular Premier League season and faces Luke Littler in Thursday’s semi-final in London. The other semi-final pits Luke Humphries against Jonny Clayton. Humphries, Littler, and Clayton also chose to skip the Euro Tour weekend, but did so well in advance. Van der Voort said Price’s last-minute withdrawal fits a broader pattern: “With him, you just never know. He cancels at the last minute so often. It's not just with this; he also cancels demos at the last minute so someone else has to be called in.”
According to Van der Voort, Price follows his own schedule without considering organisers or stakeholders. “He does everything whenever it suits him. He doesn't give a damn about anything.” Despite this, Van der Voort does not expect consequences for Price, noting that organisers continue to book him. “He gets away with it, because everyone just keeps booking him and keeps thinking it's all fine. But of course, it is just crazy. He could have done it before the draw.”
Due to Price’s withdrawal, Christian Kist received a spot in the second round but lost immediately to Ryan Joyce. Van der Voort acknowledged the silver lining for Dutch fans but said the wider public suffers from such late changes. “It is an advantage for Kist, so that is nice for us Dutch people, but I think it is just worthless for the general public.” Price will be in action on Thursday evening at the Premier League Darts Play-Offs, where he faces number one Luke Littler in the semi-finals.
