Gerwyn Price has used earplugs during practice in a bid to cope with relentless booing and crowd abuse aimed at him during matches.
The Welshman remains in the hunt to clinch a second world title after securing wins over Luke Woodhouse and Raymond van Barneveld at Alexandra Palace over the festive period.
However, Price was jeered for long periods during both of his matches at the latest edition of the biggest tournament in world darts so far.
READ MORE: Sky Sports forced to lower TV volume after Gerwyn Price subjected to X-rated abuse
He has regularly been verbally abused by fans ever since his controversial Grand Slam of Darts triumph over Gary Anderson in 2018.
"You don't get used to it, I'm weathered to it," said Price. "I've had it for the last three or four years. It never gets easy but I have to deal with it as best as I can."
And while he ultimately impressed on the oche with a dominant 4-0 triumph over van Barneveld to progress into the last-16 of the World Darts Championship, Price revealed he has been carrying earplugs as a back-up method to cope with unwanted crowd noise.
"If I was up against it with the crowd and Raymond was in the game a little bit more (I would have used them). I've practised with them for the last week and I played really well," he said.
"I thought it may affect my balance and concentration but they seemed to work really well. At least I know now that, if things don't go to plan and I'm up against it with the crowd, then I've got a back-up plan.
"Anything to give me the best opportunity to win a game, I'll do whatever I have to do."
Despite boos from many, Price continues to have a strong backing from Welsh supporters, although his own fans have been firmly outnumbered at Ally Pally.
When told he had a contingent of Welsh fans supporting him during his clash with five-time world champion van Barneveld, the former rugby player responded: "Was there?"
"I was just focusing on the game. I could hear the chants for Raymond. I didn't really hear any chants for me but I'm thankful to everyone who was in there.
"But I couldn't really hear them, I need them to be a little bit louder next time!"
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Sky Sports forced to lower TV volume after Gerwyn Price subjected to X-rated abuse
