Gerwyn Price is targeting being crowned World Champion on January 3 – and taking over the spot as world No 1.

The Markham marksman is in a three-man battle with Michael van Gerwen and reigning Alexandra Palace champ Peter Wright for that coveted place at the top of the PDC Order of Merit.

World No 2 Wright will end van Gerwen’s seven-year reign as world No 1 if he goes further in the championships than the Dutchman.

But Price knows victory in darts’ biggest event – posibly in a final showdown with van Gerwen – would see him leapfrog both men to that No 1 spot in the rolling two-year rankings.

“It is realistic,” said Price of being crowned world champ and the new world No 1.

“I think about, I’m sure Peter thinks about it and I know for a fact that Michael is thinking that if he loses, he loses that top spot and he doesn’t want to do it.

“Fair play to him for playing the way he did in his first game. I know it’s a lot of pressure on Michael’s shoulders to not lose that number one spot.

“He’s had the pressure of number one for the last couple of years so I don’t think it will affect him, but it will be in the back of his head.

“I think he’ll get to the final and have a good run, and I hope he does because he’s the sort of player I like to play – I hope I beat him in the final!”

Price will face Brendan Dolan in his third round clash on 28 December having edged past fellow Welshman Jamie Lewis in the second round in a five-set thriller.

“I’m lucky I came through that game and sometimes you need that bit of luck, not just to win games but to win tournaments,” added Price, not keen that the tournament is now behind-closed-doors.

“Hopefully I can perform a lot better because that wasn’t good enough.”

“It’s a different kind of atmosphere but we have to deal with it and I’ll try to perform the best I can. I will be better next time.

“Sometimes darts go like that – you can’t hit a barn door with a shotgun but some other times I can’t miss!

Pontyberem’s Jonny Clayton will compete in his third round tie against Joe Cullen when the action resumes at the Alexandra Palace on 27 December after the Christmas break.

But, there will be no place in third round for Cwmbran’s Nicky Kenny whose first appearance in the event ended with a 3-1 second round defeat to No 24 seed Jermaine Wattimena.