Gerwyn Price appeared to have one hand on the World Grand Prix trophy after storming into a 3-0 lead against Luke Humphries in the 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 tie and Price wilted, ultimately falling to a 6-4 defeat.
It was a repeat of the 2023 showpiece, which saw Humphries win his maiden major title, and a fitting return to the winners' circle for 'Cool Hand Luke'. For Price, however, it was another bitter disappointment. He had played magnificently all week, featuring in a third straight televised final. En route to the final, he defeated Sebastian Bialecki, Ross Smith, Jonny Clayton and Aspinall. But after going 3-0 up, he only managed to win one more set as Humphries completed the comeback.
Speaking afterwards, Price quipped 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. He joked that he wasn't bothered about losing, but the joking tone quickly gave way to honesty as he admitted he was, in fact, bothered. "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," Price said. "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."
Price continued: "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."
Can 'The Iceman' edge out of his major slump? Time will tell, but the signs are positive.
