Gurney tells on Price make up after their World Matchplay bust-up “I deserved what I got in the end. But there’s no bad blood”

Daryl Gurney has laughed off suggestions of lingering tension with Gerwyn Price, insisting there’s “no bad blood” between the pair following their heated exchange at this year’s World Matchplay. The Northern Irishman addressed the topic after his impressive 2–0 victory over Ross Smith on the opening night of the World Grand Prix in Leicester.

The 2017 Grand Prix champion produced one of his sharpest televised performances in recent months, finishing at an exceptional 67% on doubles and showcasing flashes of the form that once made him a top-three player in the world.

After missing the bull for a big fish (170) finish in the first leg, Gurney cleaned up efficiently before sweeping the remaining legs to take the opening set. Smith — nicknamed Smudger — responded early in the second, but checkouts of 73 and 93 from Gurney helped him reassert control, and he wrapped up the match soon after.

“The Scoreline Looks Easy — It Wasn’t”

Despite the convincing scoreline, Gurney insisted it was far from comfortable.

“I wouldn’t say it was so straightforward,” he explained. “Ross was really unlucky. Every time he threw, his darts were on the top wire. The way he sets up, I thought, ‘Right, he’s guaranteed a ton here,’ but then he’d just drift below for a 60. That happened eight or nine times. I was lucky he didn’t hit more tons — the scoreline might look easy, but it didn’t feel like it.”

Gurney, who has slipped down the rankings in recent years, admitted he no longer approaches matches as the favourite — and perhaps that’s helping him rediscover some of his edge.

“To be honest, I play every game now like I’m not the favourite. It evens things up and gives me the chance to come back and win — like tonight,” he said. “I’m a bit like Joe Cullen right now. You never quite know which version of me will turn up. Joe turns up and wins tournaments; I turn up and maybe win my board or make a semi-final. That’s where I’m at.”

One of the highlights of the night was Gurney’s unconventional 95 checkout, completed via double 19, double 19.

“I’ve never gone that way before in my life,” he laughed. “But it worked, so I’m not complaining!”

Confidence The Missing Ingredient

Honest as ever, Gurney admitted his biggest obstacle right now isn’t his throw — it’s his belief.

“I feel like I’ve got the game. I just need more confidence in myself,” he said. “Right now, I’ve got more doubt than confidence. That only changes with wins. Once that happens, maybe I can start believing again. Look at what Dirk van Duijvenbode did last year — nobody saw that coming, but he believed, and he was the best player that week. I need to find a bit of that belief again.”

“No Bad Blood” with Price

The conversation inevitably turned to his previous confrontation with Gerwyn Price at the World Matchplay, when the pair exchanged heated words during their handshake after a fiery contest in Blackpool.

Gurney was quick to set the record straight.

“That all came about in Hildesheim,” he said. “I’d lost early and was sitting watching Scott Williams, and next thing I know I’m in a headlock — from Gezzy! There’s no bad feeling at all from my side.”

He even went out of his way to praise the Welshman.

“He was the better player in Blackpool. I went behind, and I just thought, “Enjoy yourself, he’s playing so well.

“For me, Gezzy’s the second-best player in the world, behind Luke (Littler). I held in there, took out a nice 150, but he was too strong and too consistent over that format. When I was behind, I just thought I’d enjoy myself — probably enjoyed it too much! So yeah, I deserved what I got in the end. But there’s no bad blood — Gezzy’s a great player, and whenever we see each other, we’re always laughing and joking twice as much as before.”

Still in the Fight

Gurney may not yet be the title threat he once was, but his performance against Smith was a reminder that Super Chin still has plenty to offer. With a sharp finishing touch, his trademark humour, and a lighter mindset, the Northern Irishman looked more relaxed than he has in months.

“I just need that bit of belief again,” he said. “But I’m enjoying it — and if you’re enjoying it, the results tend to come.”