Worst day of my life: would have been better facing death sentenced” Darts Gerwyn Price Speaks Out badly After Sudden Withdrawal from Hungarian Darts Trophy_i made a request which I thought was going to…
Welsh darts star Gerwyn Price has finally opened up following his abrupt exit from the Hungarian Darts Trophy, revealing illness as the decisive factor behind his withdrawal from what was set to be one of the marquee matchups of the tournament.
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The Incident: Withdrawal Minutes Before the Quarter-Final
Price was due to face Luke Littler in the quarter-finals in Budapest, a match that had been eagerly anticipated by fans and commentators alike. However, just minutes before the scheduled walk-ons, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) made a startling announcement: Price would not be able to compete, citing medical reasons, and Littler would receive a bye into the semi-finals.
The suddenness of the withdrawal caused confusion and disappointment in the arena. Many had expected Price, known as “The Iceman”, to deliver a high-styled performance — particularly after his earlier victory in the round that saw him take down Raymond van Barneveld 6-2.
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Price Breaks His Silence
On Monday morning, following the weekend’s drama, Price broke his silence via his Instagram account. His message was brief but heartfelt:
> “Not sure if I caught a 24hr bug but that’s what I’m hoping and it doesn’t hang around, was really ill all day Sunday, hopefully it goes today. Thanks everyone for the messages.”
In other words, Price believes he may have been struck down by a short‐term illness (“a 24-hour bug”) that flared up on Sunday, affecting him to the extent that he felt unable to compete. He expressed hope that the illness would pass quickly, and gratitude for the support from fans.
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Context: Recent Fitness and Injury Concerns
This isn’t the first time health problems have disrupted Price’s season. Just weeks before the Hungarian Darts Trophy, he suffered a hand injury severe enough to hospitalise him, showing a red, swollen right hand in public social media updates. That injury forced him out of ProTour events and at least one European Tour stop.
These recurring physical issues – hand injury, medical withdrawals – have contributed to a stop-start feel in his year, despite flashes of his old form. Analysts and fans alike have wondered whether these interruptions might be having knock-on effects on his consistency, stamina, and ability to perform in tightly scheduled tournaments.
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Outcome of the Tournament
Because Price withdrew, Littler was given a bye into the semi-finals. However, Littler was unable to capitalise fully on the unexpected advancement: he lost his semi to Danny Noppert, 7-4. Noppert himself then went all the way to the final but was narrowly defeated by Niko Springer, who picked up his first ever European Tour title in a gripping 7-6 finish.
For his efforts up until the quarter-final stage, Price still earned prize money (approx. £6,000) despite the withdrawal. Littler, having progressed to the semi-finals, earned slightly more.
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Reactions and Implications
From Price: His post on social media was relatively optimistic. He did not, in that update, reference the hand injury specifically as the cause of the illness, suggesting that the 24-hour bug was separate. He emphasised gratitude for fan support and expressed hope that he’d bounce back soon.
From Fans / Media: There has been sympathy for Price’s situation, given the recent injury history. At the same time, there’s been speculation whether these health interruptions might impact his performance in upcoming major tournaments. There’s also been disappointment among fans in Budapest who were looking forward to the Littler-Price matchup.
Tournament Impact: Littler’s bye was a significant moment: it changed the tournament trajectory, but ultimately Littler could not seize it. Springer’s breakthrough to win the event is one of the big stories of the weekend.
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Price’s Path Forward & Upcoming Schedule
With some of the season’s major tournaments looming, Price will be keen to regain fitness and consistency. As of now, events such as the World Grand Prix, the European Championship, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship Final are on the horizon.
Given his statement, many expect Price will take the necessary time to recover, hoping the bug is indeed brief and that the hand injury is under control. He has made clear in previous comments that he still believes he has plenty to offer at the highest level.
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What This Means in the Bigger Picture
Price’s withdrawal sheds light on several wider themes:
1. Physical toll of a dense darts calendar: Between ProTour events, European Tour, majors, injuries, illness – staying healthy is a constant challenge.
2. Importance of rest and recovery: With hand injuries already in his history and now illness striking at key moments, managing health is as crucial as managing match practice.
3. Pressure and expectations: As a former world champion, every match carries heavy expectations. When unable to perform due to health, the disappointment is amplified by fans’ anticipation and the media coverage.
4. Opportunities for others: Littler’s advance (even via a bye) and Springer’s breakout victory are reminders that the field in the PDC is deep; openings created by unexpected exits are significant.
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Conclusion
Gerwyn Price’s withdrawal from the Hungarian Darts Trophy was a shock to many, especially given the timing just minutes before what could have been a highlight match against Luke Littler. His post-match comments make clear that illness, rather than any specific long-term injury, was the cause this time, though his recent hand injury likely adds a layer of fragility to his overall condition.
As the darts calendar marches on, Price will be hoping that this setback proves minor — that he can recover, refocus, and continue to compete at a high level. If his past performances are any guide, he remains capable of doing great things — but for now, health must take priority.
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