Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he intends to accept a wildcard invitation to the UK Open Pool Championship in late May, even if the tournament’s schedule runs into the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The English‑born darts professional, who finished runner‑up in the 2023 Premier League, was granted a spot in the pool event that will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 through 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 still fighting for a place in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, which are set to be held at The O2 in London on the evening of May 28.
The Play‑Offs determine the four players who will contest the league’s final showdown. Price, known as "The Iceman" for his calm demeanor under pressure, has a background in cue sports as well as darts.
He previously represented a team at last year’s Mosconi Cup, taking part in a Pro‑Am exhibition at Alexandra Palace where he partnered with Milan Patel and sank the decisive shot against Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating the moment with his trademark yell. 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 that his primary aim is to qualify for the darts Play‑Offs, but if he does, he believes the double‑elimination format of the pool tournament will allow him to compete in both sports.
"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," he explained. Price’s recent form in the Premier League has been uneven. Over the past few weeks he has dropped three straight quarter‑final matches and now sits just five points above the fifth‑place line, making the upcoming Aberdeen night crucial for his Play‑Off hopes. Despite the pressure, he remains confident about juggling both commitments.
When asked whether a clash between the two events would affect his performance, he responded, "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 emphasized that darts remains his main focus: "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 later asked by Sky Sports to clarify the situation should Price qualify for the Play‑Offs. The organization issued a statement confirming that no special permission is required for a PDC player to compete in non‑darts events.
"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 read.
It 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 sporting résumé extends beyond darts. He has previously turned out for a Welsh Premiership side and even had a brief stint with the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship, showcasing his versatility across different codes. In the world of pool, last year’s UK Open title was claimed by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who defeated Jonas Souto 13‑1 in the final held in Telford.
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen, with a packed schedule that includes a high‑stakes clash between Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, a pivotal encounter for the top‑four race. 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 Gerwyn Price will also meet, each vying 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 – and these accumulate to form the league table.
The four players with the highest totals will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28. Should Price manage to secure a Play‑Off spot, fans can expect a fascinating logistical puzzle as he balances the demands of elite darts with a serious foray into professional nine‑ball pool. In summary, Gerwyn Price is prepared to embrace the challenge of competing in both the UK Open Pool Championship and the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. His confidence, prior cue‑sport experience, and determination to succeed in darts suggest that he will give his utmost effort in each arena, while the PDC’s flexible stance ensures he can pursue both ambitions without bureaucratic hindrance.
The coming weeks will reveal whether his dual‑sport gamble pays off, offering spectators a unique storyline that blends precision cue work with the high‑octane drama of professional darts.