Gerwyn Price's health struggle, retirement plan and bold career change
Darts star Gerwyn Price has opened up about his health.
Gerwyn Price's health issues and activities away from the oche have sparked discussion in recent weeks. The Welshman, ranked eighth in the PDC's Order of Merit, has shown flashes of brilliance in Premier League Darts this season.
However, he has been grappling with inconsistency and health problems, marked by early Premier League exits and his recent withdrawal from the World Cup of Darts. The Iceman occupies third place in the Premier League standings but hasn't mathematically secured his spot in the play-offs later this month yet. Price remains on track to compete at The O2 on May 28 amid all the recent uncertainty, with Express Sport examining the latest developments concerning the 2021 world champion.
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Health latest
Price recently admitted he is battling with health problems following a crushing Premier League Darts defeat in Leeds. His hopes of competing at London's O2 Arena suffered a setback last week as he was beaten 6-2 by fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton.
Following the defeat to Clayton, Price made a frank admission regarding his health. He said: "My focus is there, it's just health-wise I am not in a great place at the moment. But I am battling on and searching for some results. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks they will come and they will put me at ease. Then I will be able to enjoy darts again. Frustrating times.
"Time to rely on Lady Luck and see what happens over the next two weeks. Hopefully make the play-offs but I need a lot of luck to go my way. Hopefully see you at the O2. It's not good playing once a week and hopefully I get the results I want in three weeks' time."
Price later revealed he would be withdrawing from the World Cup of Darts, where he was scheduled to represent Wales. It marks the second time in three years that the Welsh ace has missed the World Cup. He later explained the decision was unrelated to his health, posting on Instagram: "Just to clarify, I have not withdrawn from the World Cup because of health reasons," along with three thumbs up.
Darts retirement intentions
Price recently suggested he may be considering stepping away from darts. The Iceman suffered an 8-3 defeat to Wessel Nijman in March's European Darts Trophy final and voiced his frustration at falling short yet again.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "Great weekend for me, another final but very frustrating in the end. Onto Dublin this week. Need a break from this, I think it's so tough mentally. But I'll push on, thanks for the support."
The 41-year-old's remarks hinted that he might be contemplating a break following his disappointing performance in Germany. Price has other ventures to focus on should he choose to temporarily step back from the competitive circuit, including managing a farm in Treharris and running a chip shop called Chippy 501. The former world champion has been diversifying his business portfolio beyond the sport in recent years. This began with purchasing the chip shop in 2024, which has since flourished in his home town of Markham.
The eatery was transformed from a former pharmacy and the Iceman acknowledged that managing Chippy 501 - a nod to his professional career - had diverted his attention from darts. In December 2024, he said: "That's probably why I was losing and playing rubbish - my mind was elsewhere.
"I'm glad now it's up and running rather than me having to worry about it too much. It wasn't just about opening it. I've got cameras in the shop and I was always checking them on my phone. Yeah, it can affect the oche. I'm eating fish and chips all the time. I set up a 10 per cent discount for myself."
The darts star admitted he could retire purely on his income from his day job and the chippy alone. Still, Price has emphasised his determination to claim more silverware in the sport. He said in June 2025 that he wants to carry on playing at an elite level for the "next ten years", further indicating that he will likely remain on the tour for the foreseeable future.
Pool career change vow
Price revealed earlier this month that he will be changing sports later in May to compete in the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship, insisting he's "in it to win it". He was handed a wildcard entry to take part in the tournament, which is set to be held at the Brentwood Centre from May 26-31.
The event will attract more than 250 competitors from over 50 countries, all vying for a hefty prize fund of £167,500, with Price also choosing to accept the invitation. The Welshman is a passionate pool player and made an appearance at last year's Mosconi Cup, participating in an exhibition pro-am pool event at Alexandra Palace.
The Iceman faces a scheduling conflict as he also attempts to qualify for the Premier League Darts play-offs, due to take place at The O2 on May 28. However, Price has made it clear he is confident he can manage both sporting commitments and has no intention of simply arriving at the UK Open to make up the numbers.
