In a shocking turn of events, Welsh darts sensation Gerwyn Price, known as “The Iceman,” has withdrawn from the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, Belgium, due to a severe hand infection that required an urgent hospital visit. The announcement, made just as the tournament commenced, has left fans and fellow players reeling, with many expressing concern for the former PDC World Champion’s health. This latest setback adds to Price’s history of hand-related injuries, raising questions about his recovery timeline and future participation in upcoming events.
Price, a dominant figure in professional darts, was poised to continue his impressive form after securing victories at the Poland Darts Masters and the Baltic Sea Darts Open earlier this season. However, his hopes of competing in Antwerp were dashed when he revealed the extent of his injury on social media. Sharing a photo of his inflamed hand, Price described the swelling that led to his hospital dash, followed by a second image showing him receiving treatment via a drip. “Not a bed in sight,” he quipped, highlighting the strain on hospital resources while maintaining his characteristic resilience. Despite his efforts to recover in time, Price ultimately decided the injury was too severe to allow him to compete. “Unfortunately, my hand isn’t ready for this weekend,” he wrote on Instagram. “I left it as late as possible to try and give the best chance possible, but it wasn’t to be. Hopefully, I’ll be ready for next weekend.”
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) confirmed Price’s withdrawal, noting that no replacement would be added to the tournament draw since it had already begun. This decision had immediate implications for the competition, particularly for Ryan Joyce, who was set to face Price in the second round after defeating Ricardo Pietreczko in a thrilling 6-5 match. Joyce now advances to the third round with a bye, a stroke of fortune in an otherwise competitive field. Meanwhile, fans and analysts are speculating about the impact of Price’s absence on the tournament’s dynamics, given his status as one of the sport’s top contenders.
This is not the first time Price has faced challenges with his hand. In 2022, he suffered a fractured hand that forced him to pull out of a Premier League Darts event in Brighton and the Interwetten German Darts Championship. Remarkably, during that period, Price managed to win a Players Championship event despite the injury, showcasing his tenacity. However, the recurrence of hand issues is a cause for concern, especially with a busy autumn schedule looming, including the Czech Darts Open and the World Series Finals. The recovery time for such an infection could range from weeks to months, depending on its severity, leaving fans anxious about when they’ll see “The Iceman” back at the oche.
Price’s withdrawal also comes at a pivotal moment in his career. Currently ranked world number eight, he has a storied history, including seven PDC majors and a 2021 World Championship title. His recent performances had positioned him as a favorite in the Players Championship Order of Merit, but this injury allowed Dutch player Gian van Veen to overtake him in the rankings. Despite these setbacks, Price’s determination remains evident. His social media updates, including a message thanking fans for their support, reflect his focus on recovery and a swift return to competition.
As the darts community rallies behind Price, the Flanders Darts Trophy continues without one of its biggest stars. Fans are left hoping that the Welshman’s recovery is swift, eager to see him reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. For now, Price’s focus is on healing, with the darts world watching closely for updates on his condition.
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