Gerwyn Price was going through all the emotions during his thrilling clash with Joe Cullen.
Price was the victor in a sensational clash of back and forth tungsten action, as he edged Joe Cullen 4-3 in a stunning match at Alexandra Palace.
Kieran Cleeves / PDCPrice was able to edge through to the next round[/caption]
The World Championship classic was ended by a sudden-death leg, with Cullen having fought his way back into the contest with three consecutive sets to end his rival’s early dominance.
Things became scrappy as Price became frustrated with double trouble, but he was able to get over the line.
There was a real outpouring of emotion from the former champion on stage, and his wife also fought back tears after Price was declared the marginal winner.
Price has had a turbulent year, taking a break from the game before getting his love for the sport.
But on stage, he has admitted that at one point he would have happily walked off and gone home.
He told talkSPORT.com: “At 3-0 yeah, at 3-3 I just wanted to go home.
“My love for the sport is coming back, but I don’t know what to say.
“Halfway through the match I was really loving life, and then towards the end I just wanted to get off stage.
“But yeah I was just glad to get over the line and get a win.
“Obviously the season I’ve had hasn’t been good. I’ve played pretty decent.
Kieran Cleeves/ PDCPrice went through all the emotions in a turbulent match-up[/caption]
“It looks like things are starting to change. I’m starting to have that bit of lady luck.
“Obviously I wouldn’t have said that after that 170 went in [Joe Cullen’s big fish finish].
“But I won the match and a little bit of luck is what you need to win tournaments.”
Price was dominant in the opening sets, and stormed into a 3-0 lead.
‘The Iceman’ even averaged close to 110 along with his rival in a tight second set, where he managed to get over the line.
But things took a turn as he began to miss key doubles, including tops, where he is normally so deadly.
Kieran Cleeves/ PDCPrice will now face Johnny Clayton next, after embracing Cullen following their clash[/caption]
Cullen clawed his way back in and produced a remarkable turnaround.
The match was forced into a deciding leg, after Cullen saved his skin with a sensational 170-finish after Price missed match darts.
But the eventual victor finally managed to punish the Englishman to end his stint in the competition.
Price is next up against a familiar face in fellow Welsh compatriot and World Cup teammate Johnny Clayton in the round of 16.
On the prospect of the all-Welsh affair, he added: “I seen him when I came in and he was leaving after he won.
“He had a similar game to what I was in and we were really in the same boat.
“Whichever one of us comes through that game, it is going to be really great for us.
“I haven’t had a great season and I’m really hoping I can come through.”
Tune into talkSPORT 2 for coverage of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, as we bring you exclusive live commentary from Alexandra Palace. Listen via our web player, app, on DAB, or through your smart speaker.