Primus Gerwyn Price didn't make any additional friends during the winner's interview - although he could definitely use them on the world's largest darts stage.

"I'd love to hold up the World Cup trophy on this stage - but I'd love it even more if the crowd were a little kinder to me," Price said after his 3-1 win over England's Luke Woodhouse in London.

Of course there were boos again. But most fans went straight home after Price's success, the "Ally Pally" was surprisingly empty. "It's not even my favorite venue - in terms of atmosphere. I prefer the Premier League. There aren't that many people there, the stadiums are smaller and the spectators are right next to you," Price had previously told Sport1 about the World Cup venue said.

Price prefers the Darts Premier League

The 37-year-old and the Alexandra Palace has not been a love affair so far. When the former rugby professional won his only World Cup title two years ago, no spectators were allowed due to the corona. When fans are allowed in, they are often opposed to the polarizing Price, who yells loudly and is repeatedly booed for his swaggering poses - and that was the case this time.

Accordingly, Price found it difficult against the clear outsider Woodhouse. "It was very tough. I haven't been that nervous in the past two years. I could have been 2-0 down. It was a tough game, I had to get through somehow," said Price, who is now facing a third-round duel with the Dutchman Former champion Raymond van Barneveld could wait.

For the Welshman Price, London is about his number one status. To remain the Primus he has to win the title like in 2021. "I'm defending big money, I didn't want to lose it, I just wanted to enjoy Christmas first. I still have a lot more in the tank," assured Price. So far, none of the big favorites have been eliminated from the World Cup.