Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he will accept the invitation to take part in the UK Open Pool Championship in May, regardless of whether the event coincides with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The Welsh darts star, who finished runner‑up in the 2023 Premier League, has been granted a wild‑card entry to the pool tournament, which will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from 26 May to 31 May. The competition will feature 256 entrants representing more than 50 nations and will boast a prize fund of £167,500. At the same time, Price is still fighting for a place in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, scheduled for the evening of 28 May at The O2 in London.
The Play‑Offs determine which four players will advance to the season‑ending Finals Night, and Price’s recent form has left him teetering just above the cut‑off line. A win in his next match could see him secure a spot, which would put his pool commitments on a very tight timetable. The "Iceman" is no stranger to the cue sport. He previously appeared at last year’s Mosconi Cup, taking part in an exhibition Pro‑Am match at Alexandra Palace.
In that encounter, Price partnered with Milan Patel and delivered the decisive shot against opponents Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating the moment with his trademark scream. His exposure to nine‑ball pool has sparked a genuine interest, and he has expressed a desire to test his skills on a larger stage. Speaking to Sky Sports before the start of Thursday’s Premier League Darts fixture in Aberdeen, Price explained his motivation: "I went and watched the Mosconi Cup and have taken some interest in nine‑ball pool, and got an invite to the UK Open. So, I’ll take it with both hands and give it a crack." He went on to outline a possible schedule should he qualify for the darts Play‑Offs: "Hopefully I make the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, first of all.
If I do, with the pool, I think I could possibly play on the Tuesday. It’s double‑elimination, so I’ll still be in for a couple days after that. Then maybe break up a bit on Thursday [for the darts], and Friday‑Saturday I should be playing [pool] again hopefully." Price’s position in the Premier League has been precarious of late. After a string of three quarter‑final defeats, he finds himself just five points clear of the fifth‑place spot, making every upcoming match critical.
The pressure of balancing two high‑profile tournaments adds another layer of complexity to his campaign. When asked about the risk of a clash between the two events, Price responded with confidence: "I’m in it to win it. I wouldn’t turn up if I didn’t think I could win. I’m half decent!
They’re good players but I’m there to win." He also reassured observers that his focus on darts would not waver: "100 per cent. That’s my bread and butter. I’m there to win the Premier League, hopefully if I get there, but I’ll be one eye on the pool as well." The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was approached by Sky Sports for clarification on whether any special permission would be required should Price qualify for the Play‑Offs. The PDC issued a statement confirming that no special dispensation is needed: "Gerwyn does not require any special dispensation to participate.
PDC players are free to take part in non‑darts events outside of their playing commitments." The statement added that while the PDC could not predict Price’s exact decision, it believed he would prioritize darts if a direct conflict arose. Price’s athletic résumé extends beyond darts. He has played in the Welsh Premiership in football and even had a brief stint with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, showcasing his versatility across sports. The previous edition of the UK Open Pool Championship was captured by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who overwhelmed Jonas Souto with a 13‑1 victory in the final held in Telford.
The tournament’s double‑elimination format ensures that competitors have multiple opportunities to stay in contention, a structure that could benefit Price if his schedule becomes congested. Fans can follow the ongoing Premier League Darts action, which continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen, via NOW streaming services. The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season features marquee match‑ups such as Luke Humphries versus Michael van Gerwen, a clash that could prove pivotal for a top‑four finish, and a renewed rivalry between league leader Jonny Clayton and Gian van Veen. Other notable fixtures include Josh Rock taking on Luke Littler in the opening bout of the evening, while Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price will meet in a high‑stakes battle for a semi‑final berth.
Points are awarded each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—contributing to the league table that determines the four players who will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 on 28 May. In summary, Gerwyn Price is set to juggle both his darts ambitions and a newly‑accepted pool challenge.
While the exact logistics remain to be seen, his statements suggest a willingness to compete in both arenas, trusting that the double‑elimination format of the pool event will afford him enough flexibility to remain competitive in the Premier League Play‑Offs. Whether he ultimately chooses darts over pool in the event of a direct clash will likely hinge on his performance in the upcoming league matches and his desire to add another sporting accolade to his already impressive career.