Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he intends to accept a wild‑card invitation to the UK Open Pool Championship in late May, even if the tournament’s schedule collides with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs later that week. The 2023 Premier League runner‑up, who has already earned a spot at the pool event held at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 to May 31, will be competing alongside 255 other players representing more than 50 nations, all vying for a share of the generous £167,500 prize pool. While Price is focusing on his pool debut, he is simultaneously battling to secure a place in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, which are slated for the evening of May 28 at The O2 in London. The Play‑Offs will determine which four darts professionals will advance to the season‑ending Finals Night.
Price’s dual‑sport ambition has sparked considerable interest because he is one of the few elite darts players who also possesses a credible background in cue sports. The Welshman’s experience with pool is not merely speculative. Last year he took part in the Mosconi Cup, the prestigious annual showdown between Europe and the United States, where he featured in a Pro‑Am exhibition match at Alexandra Palace. In that encounter, Price teamed up with Milan Patel and, after a tense back‑and‑forth with opponents Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, delivered the decisive shot and celebrated with his characteristic roar.
Speaking ahead of a Premier League Darts fixture in Aberdeen, Price told Sky Sports: “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 added that his primary goal remains the darts circuit: “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 standings has become precarious after a string of lacklustre performances.
He has failed to win three consecutive quarter‑final matches and now sits only five points above the fifth‑place cutoff, making every point in the upcoming Aberdeen leg crucial for his Play‑Off aspirations. If his pool campaign progresses deep into the later stages, a scheduling conflict could arise. When asked about this possibility, 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 remain intact: “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 have one eye on the pool as well.” The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was approached by Sky Sports for clarification on whether Price would need any special permission to compete in both events.
The PDC issued a statement confirming that no special dispensation is required: “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 organisation added that, should a direct clash occur, it believes Price would prioritize darts: “We are not sure if Gerwyn would play if he were to qualify for Premier League Play‑Offs night, but we believe he would choose the darts in the event of a clash!” Price’s athletic résumé extends beyond darts and pool.
Earlier in his career he played rugby union in the Welsh Premiership and even had a brief stint with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, showcasing his versatility across different sports. The previous edition of the UK Open Pool Championship was captured by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who dominated the final with a 13‑1 victory over Spain’s Jonas Souto in Telford. That result underscored the high level of competition Price will face as he steps onto the tables in Brentwood.
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues to deliver drama. At the P&J Live in Aberdeen, fans will watch Luke Humphries take on Michael van Gerwen in a match that could prove pivotal for a top‑four finish. League leader Jonny Clayton will renew his rivalry with Gian van Veen, while Josh Rock and Luke Littler open the evening’s action. Stephen Bunting and Price are also slated to clash for a semi‑final berth, adding further intrigue to a tightly contested league.
Points are awarded each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—contributing to the overall league table. The top four after all league nights will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 on Thursday, May 28, where the season’s champion will be crowned.
In summary, Gerwyn Price is poised to test his skills in both the world of professional darts and nine‑ball pool during a busy week in late May. While his primary ambition remains securing a place in the Premier League Play‑Offs, he is equally eager to make a strong impression on the pool circuit, leveraging his previous experience and the wild‑card entry he has received. Whether he can juggle the demands of two high‑pressure tournaments remains to be seen, but his determination and competitive spirit suggest he will give his all, regardless of the outcome.