- Gerwyn Price secured 3-0 victory against Connor Scutt on Monday night
- The 2021 champion was jeered by the crowd prior for his recent comments
- Price suggested that the Worlds Darts Championship should be moved
Gerwyn Price smiled through loud boos during his second-round match at the World Darts Championship on Monday night.
The 2021 champion secured a 3-0 victory over Connor Scutt to book his place in the next round, but was subjected to some boos and jeers prior to the match.
It comes after Price suggested that the World Darts Championship should move away from its iconic Alexandra Palace venue.
Despite the audible jeers from the crowd, Price insisted that he felt the crowd ‘were really good’ on Monday and talked up his chances of winning the tournament.
Price said to Sky Sports: ‘It’s really difficult to come here when the crowd’s on your back.
Gerwyn Price smiled through the boos prior to his second-round match on Monday night
The 2021 champion has received backlash after suggesting the World Darts Championship should be moved away from Alexandra Palace
‘I’m glad the crowd were really good to me today and if they continue like this there’s no reason I can’t win it.
‘It was difficult, my game was steady, it wasn’t my ‘A’ game and there were some first-round jitters, but I’m through so I’m happy.’
Price’s recent comments caused concern with darts fans who were left bemused by his suggestion move the tournament away from Alexandra Palace.
The festive competition has been hosted at the north London venue since 2007, and the Ally Pally has become near-inextricable from the competition.
Alexandra Palace welcomes 90,000 fans over the course of the tournament, which will reach its thrilling conclusion on January 3, who will famously sport fancy dress and chant songs whilst taking in the drama of the competition.
But Price – who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2021 – has argued that the sport may be better served visiting an array of venues, as in a raft of other disciplines such as football and cricket.
‘I think it’s only right. That’s what happens with other sports,’ the ‘Iceman’ explained.
Price claimed a 3-0 victory over Connor Scutt (pictured) at Alexandra Palace on Monday night
‘You should have equal rights that the tournament goes to different parts of the world. And then I think I’ll have a bit of a better chance of winning!
‘Germany is becoming a huge market for the PDC and darts is growing immensely all over Europe.
‘Maybe move it to Germany, Holland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales or Belgium. I don’t see any reason why they can’t do it.
‘I know they have the history with Ally Pally, but times move on, things change.’