The UK Open is famous for delivering drama, unexpected twists and memorable moments, but this year’s tournament produced one of the most unusual stories when darts star Gerwyn Price revealed he had suffered a freak groin injury while attending the event. Despite the bizarre setback, the former world champion managed to fight through the discomfort and produce a remarkable comeback performance, underlining his determination and resilience on one of darts’ biggest stages.
Price, widely known as “The Iceman,” explained that the injury happened in an unexpected way away from the dartboard. According to the Welsh star, he strained his groin while attempting to open a door using his leg. What initially sounded like a minor and almost comical incident quickly turned into a painful problem, especially given the physical demands of a long tournament schedule.
The incident happened around the time of his birthday, making the timing even more frustrating for the 2021 world champion. However, Price managed to keep his sense of humor about the situation while explaining what had happened.
“It happened when I was trying to open a door with my leg,” Price admitted. “It sounds ridiculous, but I just felt it go. It’s actually more painful when I’m walking around than when I’m throwing.”
While groin injuries can often cause serious problems for athletes, Price suggested the discomfort did not significantly affect his ability to compete on stage. In fact, he said the pain was sometimes more noticeable during everyday movements rather than while throwing darts.
“I can feel it when I’m moving about, but when I’m up on stage throwing, it doesn’t bother me too much,” he explained.
Price also hinted that a change in his training routine may have played a role in the unusual injury. The Welshman admitted he had not been spending as much time in the gym recently, which may have contributed to the strain.
“I haven’t really been in the gym lately,” he said. “Maybe if I had been doing more stretching or training it might not have happened.”
Despite the awkward injury, Price delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament during his clash with Irish player Keane Barry. The match appeared to be heading toward a shock result when Barry surged into a commanding 9–4 lead in the race to ten legs.
At that stage, Price looked on the brink of elimination. Barry was playing with confidence and precision, while Price was struggling to find his rhythm. However, the experienced Welshman refused to give up and began mounting an extraordinary comeback.
Showing the fighting spirit that has defined his career, Price won leg after leg to close the gap. The pressure began to shift dramatically as Barry suddenly found himself unable to land the final blow.
Price eventually completed a stunning turnaround, winning the match 10–9 after reeling off six of the last seven legs. The comeback stunned the crowd and highlighted why he remains one of the most dangerous competitors in professional darts.
The victory secured his place in the later stages of the UK Open Darts Championship and set up a highly anticipated all-Welsh clash with Jonny Clayton.
Reflecting on the dramatic match, Price admitted he had been close to accepting defeat before the momentum suddenly shifted in his favor.
“I thought I was out of it when he went 9–4 up,” Price said. “But sometimes in darts things can change very quickly. I just tried to stay focused and take it one leg at a time.”
The comeback also served as a reminder of Price’s competitive mindset. Over the past few seasons, the Welsh star has remained one of the most recognizable figures in darts thanks to his passionate celebrations and intense approach to the game.
However, he has also experienced periods where major titles have proved difficult to capture. Price acknowledged that the gap between his biggest victories has been longer than he would like, but he insisted he remains motivated and confident about competing at the highest level.
“I’d obviously love to win more majors,” he said. “But I’m still competing well, still winning matches and still enjoying the game.”
That enjoyment has become an important focus for Price in recent years. The former world champion explained that maintaining a positive mindset is crucial in a sport where pressure and expectations can be overwhelming.
“I’m just trying to enjoy playing darts,” he said. “When you relax and enjoy it, sometimes that’s when you play your best.”
The UK Open is often referred to as the “FA Cup of Darts” because of its open-draw format. Unlike many other major tournaments, players from across the darts pyramid compete in the same event, meaning amateurs and professionals can find themselves facing each other on the same stage.
Held annually at Butlin’s Minehead Resort in England, the tournament is known for producing giant-killing results and unpredictable storylines. Over the years, the event has seen countless dramatic moments, from shock upsets to stunning nine-dart finishes.
Price’s bizarre injury and remarkable comeback have now become part of that tradition. The incident perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of the sport, where the drama often extends beyond the dartboard itself.
For Price, the immediate goal is to keep building momentum as the tournament progresses. If he can maintain the form and fighting spirit he showed in his comeback victory, he could yet emerge as a serious contender for the title.
His experience, scoring power and ability to handle pressure have already made him one of the most successful players of the modern era. And even with an unexpected groin injury causing discomfort off the stage, Price proved that he is still capable of producing magic when it matters most.
As the UK Open continues, fans will be watching closely to see whether “The Iceman” can turn an unusual injury story into a triumphant tournament run. If his dramatic escape against Barry is any indication, Price still has plenty left to give—and his story at this year’s event may be far from over.
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