John Henderson believes his World Championship opponent Gerwyn Price is winning new fans having been the PDC’s pantomime villian.
The Highlander will tackle Price in round three at Alexander Palace after both won through their second round matches on Thursday.
Price is seeded third in the World Championship draw, but following the early exit of Rob Cross the Welshman has now been installed as second favourite to win the tournament behind Michael van Gerwen.
The Iceman has established himself as one of the top players with consecutive victories in the Grand Slam.
However, Price has not been hugely popular with supporters of the sport as a result of over zealous and antagonistic celebrations during matches.
But Huntly’s Henderson believes the flak he receives is not justified and thinks the more successful Price becomes the more fans he will win over.
The 46-year-old said: “I’ve got a lot of time for Gerwyn, he’s a great player and his darts are doing the talking now rather than him.
“It’ll be a great game and his roaring doesn’t bother me, that’s just the nature of his game.
“I don’t think the crowd being against him will help because I think the crowd being against him makes him play better.
“I wouldn’t enjoy the crowd being against me, but it doesn’t bother Gerwyn and he uses it.
“Recently his darts have been doing the talking and when he’s been playing well the crowd have been getting on his side.
“I do believe he’s won a lot of people over – Gerwyn is a lovely lad and I don’t believe any darts player deserves to be booed.
“It’s hard enough to play well without the crowd on your back, it’s not right some of what’s gone on, but Gerwyn’s gradually winning them over because he’s been playing well.”
Henderson will spend Christmas in Huntly before travelling back to London on Boxing Day ahead of his meeting with Price.
In his second round tie the pressure was on him as 30th seed trying to see off James Richardson, who was ranked 61st.
The Highlander was pleased to progress as the favourite and hopes his hard work can keep paying off.
He added: “But there was a pressure to win because of what it means for my ranking. I’ll enjoy Christmas, but I’ll be putting in the practice as well.
“I have put in a lot of hours on the practice board, probably more so this year than in the past.
“I don’t know why, but I feel as though I’ve put more effort into it this year and it’s worked.”