GARY Anderson lost out to Gerwyn Price in a bad-tempered Grand Slam of Darts final in Wolverhampton on Sunday evening.
The Burnham-on-Sea star, who earlier in the tournament had been caught up in a bizarre farting controversy after his match against Wesley Harms, beat world number one Michael van Gerwen in a superb semi-final to set up a meeting with Price.
Anderson started the final well and looked in control at 11-8 up needing 16 legs for victory, but the 47-year-old was growing increasingly frustrated with Price's antics on stage.
The Welshman waved Anderson off stage at one break in the match (below) and his exuberant celebrations were beginning to hold up play - Anderson at one point pushing Price towards the board to collect his darts - and it had an effect on the Scot, whose game began to go awry.
ANDERSON 11-9* PRICE
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) November 18, 2018
Impressive response from Gerwyn Price. The Welshman continues his clinical finishing by taking out 68 on tops, to draw within two legs of the Scot.
He's fired up!
Watch live on Sky Sports Main Event and follow: https://t.co/xQMTzAYXmr pic.twitter.com/1yjJdzCsDF
Price won eight of the last 10 legs to win 16-13 and lift his first ever PDC trophy.
There was no handshake after the match and Price, who was booed by sections of the crowd, said afterwards: "I'm loving it playing on that stage against the best players in the world.
"Five or six years ago I was a rugby player, and now I'm pinching money from the professionals' pockets.
"I'm throwing my darts, he needs to wait for his turn. He doesn't like it when it's a little bit up him, so unlucky.
"I knew when he beat Michael [Van Gerwen] that I was going to beat him. Simple. He can't handle playing me. He just moans every time that I'm doing this, doing that. Concentrate on your own game."
“I know Gary doesn’t like the way I play but my game is my game.”
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 18, 2018
Hear from your @bwin Grand Slam of Darts champion Gerwyn Price... pic.twitter.com/edh7XbZrgB
Price's antics divided opinion in the crowd, elements of whom booed the Welshman, and on social media...
Darts is heading in the wrong direction with players like Price. Totally ruined the enjoyment of watching the final. There is no need for clear and obvious bad sportsmanship. I hope that's the first and last time we see Gerwyn Price in a final.
— Martin Streeter (@mgspim) November 18, 2018
Imagine going mad at Gerwyn Price for showing emotion for winning the biggest match of his career, but praise MvG, Mensur, Lewis etc for doing the exact same thing.
— James Doe (@JayDoe50) November 18, 2018
Gerwyn Price is the most annoying unsportsmanlike person I have seen.. arrogant and aloof, he is becoming more hated with every game he plays.. shame . #darts
— Steve Bagshaw (@bagshaw2112) November 18, 2018
Gerwyn Price is currently the biggest legend in sport 🎯 @Gezzyprice
— Iwan Hughes (@IwanHughes001) November 18, 2018
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