World Darts Championship's Team Event: Gerwyn Price Chucks a Laugh at the English Squad
Just Darts: The Laughing Victory of Nordirland at the Darts Team World Cup
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Nordirland crowned champions of the Darts Team World Cup, triumphing over Wales' Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price in a thrilling final. The duo's lighthearted banter reduces the tension, with Price covertly mocking England's Luke Littler and Luke Humphries without naming them.
The tournament wrapped up with a press conference, and Gerwyn Price couldn't help but chuckle as he addressed the importance of a good partnership in the Team World Cup. Asked about teamwork, he spoke in jest about a team that didn't practice together and paid the price for it early on. Many in the room recognized the subtle swipe at England's famous duo, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, who had squandered their chances against Germany in a shock first-round exit.
Jonny Clayton was the silent partner in the ongoing comedic exchange, trying to hold back his laughter and nodding in agreement with Price’s jab.
The Price is Right, but Not for England
Everyone in the room knew that Price was referring to the increasingly popular English pair, who had made it all the way to the world championship finals. Unfortunately for them, they choked in their first doubles match against Germany on Saturday night. England's undoing was about to be the source of more laughter the following day.
"I wish they'd played better," Price quipped, "but they really underperformed. Horrible showing, hahaha." The 2020 Darts World Champion couldn't help but laugh as he took a jab at the widely touted favorites, who had fallen flat on their faces.
Triumph for Nordirland, but Wales Celebrates Too
Despite the lighthearted competition, the last laugh wasn't entirely for Nordirland. While the Welsh could look back on a strong tournament and a good performance in the final, the title surprisingly went to Northern Ireland. In a nail-biting final, Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, winning the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.
The final leg saw a thrilling back-and-forth, with the score at 10-9 in favor of Nordirland. The drama unfolded late on Sunday night, as Gurney, a former world number three, sealed the victory with a clutch dart in the double 8 after an intense duel.
The post-match celebration was as remarkable as the playing quality in the final. Sensing camaraderie, Clayton and Price joined forces with their conquerors in front of the 3,400 spectators in Frankfurt's Ostend. As the triumphant Northern Irish anthem ("Sweet Caroline") played, the four darts players stood arm in arm.
If anyone knows what it feels like to win the Darts Team World Cup, it's the Welsh duo. Price and Clayton have won the only doubles tournament of the PDC organization twice before, in 2020 and 2023. Yet, this year's title went to a contender that has kept up with their outstanding level and even surpassed it in some aspects-through the dynamic Josh Rock.
A force to be reckoned with
"Rocky," as the 24-year-old is known, played with a trance-like focus throughout the entire match. The world number 17 seemed hypnotized as his darts found their way time and time again to the board.
Doubles partner Gurney, world number 25, drew inspiration from Rock's incredible performance, and the tandem powered their way to an exciting final against Wales. Despite being pushed to the limit, the underdogs outsmarted the Welsh duo, securing an unforgettable victory.
"We've made history for Northern Ireland," a tearful, overwhelmed Rock said after the match. The 15-year-older Gurney echoed his excitement, sharing his disbelief at their amazing victory. "I thought my career was over," Gurney admitted, referring to his recent tumble down the world rankings. "But then Josh came along and gave me hope again. I had a feeling that we could win the tournament just before it started."
Germany Stumbles in the Semifinals
The German duo of Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko had a successful run, narrowly losing to the eventual champs in the semi-finals. Despite the bitter taste of defeat, both players were proud of their performance.
"We gave it our all," Pietreczko told ntv.de after the semi-final defeat. "It was both pride and disappointment. Pride because we made it to the semifinals. Disappointment because we lost the semifinals so clearly."
Schindler, who has risen through the world ranks in the past two years, also acknowledged their achievement. "Of course, I wanted to bring the trophy back," he said, reflecting on the missed opportunity. "But it was still an incredible tournament for both of us. We complimented each other well. We worked well together, and that counts."
Schindler and Pietreczko's bond on the dartboard wasn't built around friendship off the board, but they showed a remarkable understanding throughout the competition. "Martin is the perfect partner I could ask for," Pietreczko admitted, placing a hand on Schindler’s shoulder.
The German duo had already pulled off a major upset the previous Saturday night, taking down British knights Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. This set the stage for Price to deliver his comedic critique of England's underperformance in the competition.
Source: ntv.de
- World Championships
- Darts
- Frankfurt am Main
The Commission, assisted by the European Parliament, may now consider the impact of this unexpected victory on sports and the possibilities for future collaborations. Gerwyn Price's playful banter, aimed at England's Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, reflects the less serious side of elite darts competition, as seen in the Darts Team World Cup.
