Gerwyn Price is the former hooker who loves three in a bed.
The former rugby union star is the pantomime villain crowds love to hate when he flexes his Popeye biceps and lets it all hang out.
But if his critics expect the ‘Iceman’ to tone down his act for the William Hill PDC world championship, starting at Alexandra Palace on Friday, it will be a thaw point for them.
Earlier this year, Price experimented by going into his shell on stage but admits it made him play “rubbish” because he clammed up.
So he will ignore the social media trolls who send his 12-year-old daughter trash talk, and vociferous elements in the crowd who try to give him a hard time, warning: “Whether people like I or not, they are probably going to see the old me.”
On recent form, Price looks the best bet to unseat reigning champion Michael van Gerwen after landing back-to-back Grand Slam titles and running him close in the Players Championship final.
But the No.3 seed, who used to play rugby for Neath and Cross Keys, has a poor record at Ally Pally, crashing out in the second round against surprise semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall 12 months ago.
‘Gezzy’ said: “I’ve never had a good run at the world championship and I need to get my head around the sets format.
“The short sprints seem to suit me better, like the first to 10 legs or whatever, but I’m in better form this year so hopefully I’m due a good run.
“I believe I’m a future world champion – I’ve only been in this game five or six years – give me another five or six and maybe I’ll have won the big one.”
Crowds at Wolverhampton and Minehead appeared to be warming to the Iceman at last – a far cry from last year’s acrimonious Grand Slam final against Gary Anderson, which led to a record £21,000 in fines – later halved on appeal.
Price, 34, hopes the tide has turned, saying: “At the darts, people tend to join in with what everyone else is doing.
“At first it was all right, but it went a little bit too far. I tried a different approach, by taking my Pro Tour game on stage, but I was terrible because I was trying to be someone that isn’t the real me.
“It doesn’t bother me what the crowd thinks – it only bothers me what they do. I don’t mind them booing me when I walk on or when I’m going for trebles because you are in a rhythm.
“But when it comes to crucial doubles and match-winning chances, the jeers and the whistles are a bit too much. Just show a little respect.
“If I miss three darts at a double, boo me all you like – I don’t care. But when you have the darts in your hand, and you are shooting for a double to win the leg, that’s the most important time.
“I should not have to play within myself just to block it out, and I’m not going to do it from now on.
“People think I behave in a certain way to put opponents off, but I do it because it actually makes me play better.
“If I’m bottling things in, and I don’t let the energy out, I don’t seem to play as well. I just need to be myself.”
The pride of Wales draws the line at pond life on social media bypassing Price himself and venting their poison at his young daughter.
“It’s way below the belt when some bloke messages a 12-year-old girl on Twitter with some stuff about me – that sort of thing shouldn’t happen.
“Luckily, she has a good head on her and it doesn’t bother her. It affects me more, as a protective father, but she’s a good girl. It comes with the territory but it shouldn’t happen.”
