Gerwyn Price made an immediate impact at his first appearance at the Flanders Darts Trophy 2026, defeating Bradley Brooks 6-3 in the second round with an average of 103.5. But 'The Iceman' was surprised his final average wasn't even higher, insisting his level felt far beyond the number on the scoreboard.
Price was in scintillating form during the opening stages in Antwerp, averaging above 110 for much of the first half of the contest. Yet Brooks refused to be shaken off, staying within touching distance of the former world champion. "I actually thought and felt like I played a little bit better than him. I thought he played decent in patches. But yeah, he was hitting the right score at the right time, putting me under pressure," Price said on stage post-match.
At 3-2, the Englishman was still very much alive in the contest, though Price felt the match could already have been virtually decided by that stage. "But yeah, for it to be 3-2, I'm thinking I possibly could have been 5-0 up here. You know, he's still in the game, but fair play to Bradley. He's a fantastic player."
Despite finishing with a 103.5 average, Price felt his performance warranted a far bigger number. "But yeah, 103. I felt like it was like 133. I thought I was playing alright." He credited Brooks for producing the right scores at the right moments. "Like I said, Bradley hit a 180, a 140 at the right time, and then he would double three at the right time. You know, that's what happens in darts. But yeah, I felt like I was playing good in that game. If I took my chances, I was going to win, and that's exactly what happened."
Next up for Price is Ross Smith, the Budapest champion who also won in Riesa earlier in the year. Price is impressed by 'Smudger's' recent form but sees no reason to regard himself as the underdog. "I'm sure it will be. Like I said, Ross is in some good form, playing brilliant, but I'm in some good form as well. And yeah, funny enough, I'll back myself in this one, and he probably does as well, so it'll be a good game."
Price can also count on support from his home country during his stay in Antwerp. He was told about two supporters who had travelled all the way from Wales specifically for the tournament and planned to attend every session. That prompted a typically Price-like response from 'The Iceman': "Funny thing is, I've come all the way from Wales as well. It's a long journey. No, but fair play, well done."
