Gerwyn Price insists he has something to prove to himself as he continues his Paddy Power World Darts Championship campaign against Joe Cullen on Friday evening.
The 2020/21 World Champion cruised through his second-round clash against Keane Barry on December 16, dispatching the young Irishman in straight sets.
Although the Welshman felt he wasn't at his brilliant best, the performance was enough to secure his place in round three, allowing him to enjoy the festive period before returning back for business.
“I felt very comfortable, I felt like I was playing alright in patches and keeping him in the game a little bit,” reflected Price, discussing his first round display.
“I put myself under a lot of pressure, because I wanted to go home and enjoy Christmas with a win."
Price - the current world number ten - is competing in his 11th World Championship this year, and claimed that he views the World Darts Championship as a two-stage event.
With his first goal of reaching the third round accomplished, the Markham native is now fully focused on making a deep run.
“This is like two tournaments for me, I split it up in two - the first round was a qualifier, and now I'm in the tournament," added the 39-year-old.
Price has come into the tournament on the back of some superb performances on the exhibition circuit, which has helped build his confidence ahead of his latest title challenge.
“I think I played in six exhibitions, made five finals and won four of them," revealed Price, a three-time Grand Slam champion.
"I smashed Luke Humphries in the final once which was nice, but this is where I want to perform, on the big stage in the biggest events.”
Price’s career speaks for itself. With seven major titles, including his crowning moment as World Champion in January 2021, the Welshman has already cemented his place in darts history.
However, having recently relinquished his place in the world's top eight, he is determined to remind everyone why he is one of the sport’s elite.
“I know how well I can play; I just want to prove it to myself that I’ve still got it," continued the two-time World Cup winner.
"Like I said, over the last couple of exhibitions I’ve shown that and given myself a boost of confidence, but this stage is where I need to prove it!"
2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Friday December 27
Third Round
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
Damon Heta v Luke Woodhouse
Jonny Clayton v Daryl Gurney
Stephen Bunting v Madars Razma
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
Gerwyn Price v Joe Cullen
Jermaine Wattimena v Peter Wright
Luke Humphries v Nick Kenny
All matches best of seven sets