Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he plans to accept a wild‑card invitation to the UK Open Pool Championship in May, even if the tournament’s schedule clashes with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The darts star, who finished runner‑up in the 2023 Premier League, was granted a spot in the pool event, which will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 to May 31.
The competition draws 256 entrants from more than 50 nations and boasts a substantial prize pool of £167,500. At the same time, Price is fighting for a place in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, which are set to take place at The O2 in London on the evening of May 28. The dual‑sport schedule has prompted a flurry of questions from fans and media alike about how he will juggle the two commitments.
Price is no stranger to cue sports. He previously appeared at last year’s Mosconi Cup, taking part in an exhibition Pro‑Am match at Alexandra Palace alongside teammate Milan Patel.
In that encounter, Price sank the decisive shot against opponents Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating the moment with his trademark roar. His exposure to nine‑ball pool sparked a genuine interest, prompting him to accept the UK Open invitation. Speaking before the start of Thursday’s 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, “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 recent form in the Premier League has been uneven. After a series of lackluster weeks, the Markham ace has failed to win three straight quarter‑final matches and currently sits just five points above the fifth‑place cutoff heading into Thursday’s action.
The pressure to secure a Play‑Off spot is mounting, and the prospect of a scheduling conflict adds another layer of complexity. When asked about the possibility of a clash should he progress deep into the pool tournament, 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 affirmed his commitment to darts, saying, “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 keep one eye on the pool as well.” The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was approached by Sky Sports for clarification on Price’s situation. In a statement, the PDC confirmed that “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 organization added, “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. He has previously competed in the Welsh Premiership in football and had a brief stint with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, underscoring his versatility across sports. The previous edition of the UK Open Pool Championship was claimed by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who thrashed Jonas Souto 13‑1 in the final held in Telford.
This year’s tournament promises a similarly high level of competition, with top‑ranked pool players from around the globe vying for a share of the lucrative prize fund. Looking ahead, the 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen. The upcoming fixtures feature a potential showdown between Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, a match that could prove pivotal in the race for a top‑four finish. League leader Jonny Clayton will also renew his rivalry with Gian van Veen, while Josh Rock and Luke Littler open the evening’s action.
Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price are slated to clash for a semi‑final berth, adding further intrigue to the night’s program. Points are allocated each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—to build the league table.
The top four players after all league nights will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28, where the season’s champion will be crowned. In summary, Gerwyn Price is prepared to pursue both his darts ambitions and his newfound pool challenge.
While the scheduling overlap presents logistical hurdles, Price’s statements and the PDC’s policy suggest he will prioritize the Premier League Play‑Offs if a direct conflict arises. Nevertheless, his enthusiasm for nine‑ball pool indicates he will give the UK Open his full effort, aiming to make a strong impression on the billiards stage while still keeping his eyes on the ultimate goal of winning the Premier League title.