Former world champion slams 'absolutely pathetic conditions' at Wigan's Robin Park

Gerwyn Price was not best pleased as the PDC returned to Wigan on Monday

Former world darts champion Gerwyn Price stormed out of the opening Pro-Tour event of the season in Wigan after hitting out at the Professional Darts Corporation over the 'absolutely pathetic conditions' at the Robin Park Tennis Centre.

After seeing off Karel Sedlacek (6-5) and Matthew Dennant (6-2), Price - a former rugby league and rugby union professional - became unhappy during his round of 32 match against Brendan Dolan.

Wonderkid Luke Littler makes history at Wigan's Robin Park

Price was trailing 4-2 on legs against Dolan in a best-of-11 encounter when he forfeited the match and Dolan was handed a bye into the next round.

The Welshman then took to social media to explain his remarkable behaviour.

“Absolutely pathetic conditions," he wrote on Instagram. "Travel all the way to Wigan to play in a professional game, and we have to play in less than amateur conditions. Never have I ever given a game up, well that's me out tomorrow (Tuesday) as well. Gutted coz my game was really good today and I rely on these events so much."

Price - nicknamed 'The Iceman' - did not disclose exactly what made the conditions so bad.

However, a spokesperson for the PDC said: “Gerwyn decided not to complete his match against Brendan Dolan and left the venue immediately. We understand he felt the venue was cold.”

The event – the first of the season – was won by Warrington wonderkid Luke Littler, the runner-up at the recent World Championship, who was one of three players to nail a nine-darter on the day.