Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he intends to accept a wildcard invitation to the UK Open Pool Championship in May, even if the tournament’s schedule collides with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The 2023 Premier League runner‑up was granted a place in the pool competition, which will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 to May 31. The event draws 256 participants representing more than 50 nations and boasts a substantial prize pool of £167,500. At the same time, Price is still fighting for a spot in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, a decisive showdown that will be held at The O2 in London on the evening of May 28.
The darts star, known as “The Iceman,” has a background in cue sports; he previously took part in last year’s Mosconi Cup, where he featured in a Pro‑Am exhibition match at Alexandra Palace. In that encounter, playing alongside teammate Milan Patel, Price sank the decisive shot against Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle before letting out his characteristic battle‑cry.
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. 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 Darts standings has become precarious after a run of under‑whelming results. He has failed to win three straight quarter‑final matches and now sits only five points above the fifth‑place cutoff heading into Thursday’s action. The pressure to secure a Play‑Off berth has intensified, yet he remains determined to pursue both sporting avenues.
When questioned about the potential conflict should he advance deep into the pool tournament, Price responded confidently: “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 addressed concerns about splitting his focus between the two sports, insisting, “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 asked by Sky Sports to clarify 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 statement 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!” Beyond darts and pool, Price’s athletic résumé includes stints in the Welsh Premiership (rugby) and a brief spell with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, underscoring his versatility across high‑performance 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. The tournament’s double‑elimination format ensures that players have multiple opportunities to recover from an early loss, a structure that could benefit a competitor like Price who is balancing two demanding schedules. The broader context of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League season adds further intrigue.
The league continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen, where Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen are set to clash in a potentially pivotal match for top‑four positioning. 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 meet, with a semi‑final berth on the line.
Points are awarded each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—contributing to a cumulative league table. The top four players at the end of the season will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28, where the Premier League Play‑Offs will determine the ultimate champion. In summary, Gerwyn Price is set to juggle a high‑stakes pool tournament and a crucial darts Play‑Off qualification battle within the same week.
While the PDC has confirmed he can compete in both without special permission, the practicalities of travel, match preparation, and mental focus will be tested. Whether he ultimately prioritises the darts or the pool if a direct clash occurs remains to be seen, but his determination to compete—and win—across both arenas underscores his reputation as a fierce, multi‑talented competitor.