Gerwyn Price is to contest his record fine imposed by the Darts Regulation Authority.
Price received a £21,500 fine and a suspended three-month ban for his conduct at the Grand Slam last November, which saw the Welshman defeat Gary Anderson in a dramatic showdown to lift his first major PDC title.
However, Price’s maiden televised triumph was marred by a number of flash points in the final and ‘The Iceman’ was found to be ‘in breach’ of DRA rules at a hearing in January.
Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor was one of several stars to leap to Price’s defence following the controversial verdict and Price has told Sky Sports that he was left ‘shocked’ by the subsequent fall-out.
“I was shocked at what had happened, not only that I had a fine but that Gary [Anderson] had absolutely nothing,” Price said.
“Not just one player, not just Phil [Taylor] but every single player said that it was unfair, so it’s something that has gone wrong there and obviously it’s being dealt with by the right people now.
“Hopefully it will get changed, but if not then I’m going to re-appeal again and it will go to the High Courts, so whatever happens will happen.
“My appeal has gone in now, it went in two weeks ago so whatever the DRA come back with – even if I have a £1,000 fine I’m still going to be fighting that.
“I don’t think I deserve to have any fine at all, we were both on the oche; my game is always the same.
“It’s never changed and it’s never going to change so I don’t want a £1,000 fine, I don’t even want a £100 fine,” the 34-year-old added.
The former Cross Keys rugby player admitted he subconsciously became more reserved immediately after his fine was imposed, but he’s since reverted to playing his natural game and has reaped the rewards.
“After the Masters when I was in my shell a little bit, I thought I’m just going to be myself and whatever happens, happens.
“I’ve been myself, I’ve been the same player ever since and before the fine. I haven’t had any more fines so I don’t understand why I had the first one.”
This week, Price makes his return to home soil as the Premier League roadshow rolls into Cardiff and he has his sights firmly set on securing a coveted play-off spot.
‘The Iceman’ is one of four players locked on 12 points and as he prepares to face World Championship finalist Michael Smith at the Motorpoint Arena on Thursday night, Price claimed that his homecoming could be a decisive moment in his season.
“There’s four of us on 12 points and I think this week for me is probably the most important,” Price said. “Michael [Smith] is at the bottom of the group but he’s only four points behind.
“I keep on getting one point here and there which keeps putting pressure on me, but it’s tough week in week out. This week is vital for me to get two points to ease the pressure over the coming weeks.”