GERWYN Price would love nothing more than a subdued Christmas so that he is good shape for another big night on the oche.

The 30-year-old from Markham plays his first round tie in the William Hill World Championship at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday evening against Andrew Gilding.

The prize for the winner is a second round meeting with either Adrian 'Jackpot' Lewis, who Price famously beat in the World Matchplay Darts in July, or Jan Dekker on Monday, December 28.

Gilding is slight favourite as he is one of the seeds but he is only 28 on the order of merit while Price is just five places back.

And the Welshman has a year of experience under his belt to improve on his 'Ally Pally' debut when he was whitewashed 3-0 by Peter Wright despite taking two of the three sets to a deciding leg and hitting five 180s.

"My progression over the last year has gone pretty well," said Price. "Some games I think I could have won and been a little bit higher than I am.

"My target was to get into the top 32 before the Worlds and I missed off by one spot but I'm not too disappointed, I would have taken this two years ago."

"I've got a lot more experience and I'm not playing Peter Wright, which is a good thing! I am looking forward to the crowd and the atmosphere. It's nice to be in the tournament but hopefully I can get my first win and push on from there.

"I've been drawn against Andrew Gilding and he has not done that well on the pro tour but last year he was flying.

"I am looking forward to it and I think I can come through the game and hopefully play Adrian Lewis and give him the same as I did in the World Matchplay!"

The Price-Gilding clash is first up on this evening's schedule with coverage on Sky Sports One and Sky Sports Darts starting at 7pm.