The PDC have confirmed that Gerwyn Price will not compete in the Austrian Open this weekend, with the Welshman joining the growing list of stars opting against playing in the competition.

Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross all opted against competing in Graz, meaning that a total of ten of the world’s top 20 players will not take aim at the Euro Tour event.

It was announced that Price, James Wade, Cameron Menzies and Dimitri Van Den Bergh have all pulled out of the competition, with Thibault Tricole, Matthew Dennant, Patrick Geeraets, and Lukas Wenig stepping up in their absences.

Price would have headed to Austria as one of the favourites after his victory in Liverpool in the Premier League on Thursday night. The Welshman cruised to a 6-2 victory over last week’s victor Chris Dobey in his opener, before replicating that scoreline in his semi-final win over Cross.

The 40-year-old then prevailed in the final, beating world No. 1 Humphries 6-4 in a tight encounter. The Iceman broke in the opening leg before Humphries hit back to move into a 2-1 lead. Price quickly responded though, with a 151 checkout seeing him draw level at 3-3.

The Liverpool crowd then watched on as Price produced a 13-darter to move into the lead before a neat 25 checkout saw him take control of the final. The world No. 12 then hit another 13-darts to secure the victory and move into the top four.

Speaking after the victory, Price told Sky Sports: “I just want to make the top four - it doesn't matter if it is one, two, three or four - being at the O2 is my priority. Today was just about getting two points, I managed to get five so it eases a little bit of pressure next week. I am playing really well though so there is no reason I can't win next week as well.

"Every week is vital points. It was vital I got some points tonight. It eases the pressure for next week and when there's no pressure on me I play some good darts." He also spoke about how he enjoyed the support of the crowd in Liverpool, with the likes of Humphries and Littler receiving a different reaction on the night.