Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he intends to accept a wild‑card invitation to the UK Open Pool Championship in May, even if the event’s schedule collides with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The 2023 Premier League runner‑up was granted a spot at the pool tournament, which will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 to May 31.
The competition will feature 256 players representing more than 50 nations and will be backed by a substantial prize fund of £167,500. At the same time, Price is still fighting for a place in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, set to take place at The O2 in London on the evening of May 28. The dual‑sport commitment has sparked interest among fans and commentators, especially because Price is not a newcomer to cue sports.
He previously appeared at last year’s Mosconi Cup, taking part in an exhibition Pro‑Am match at Alexandra Palace. In that encounter, he partnered with Milan Patel and delivered the decisive shot against Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating the moment with his signature roar.
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 of 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 string of three consecutive quarter‑final defeats, he finds himself just five points above the fifth‑place threshold heading into Thursday’s matches, meaning every point is crucial for his Play‑Off hopes.
Despite the pressure, he remains confident about juggling both events. "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 asserted when asked about the potential clash. When probed about his ability to maintain focus on darts while competing in pool, Price responded, "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." His determination has prompted the PDC to comment on the situation. A Sky Sports‑requested statement from the organization clarified that Price does not need any special permission to take part in non‑darts events. "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!" Beyond darts and pool, Price’s athletic résumé includes stints in the Welsh Premiership rugby league and a brief spell with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors. His multi‑sport background underscores his willingness to test himself across different arenas. The UK Open Pool Championship, which Price is set to join, was won last year by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who thumped Jonas Souto 13‑1 in the final held in Telford.
The tournament’s double‑elimination format means that even if a player suffers an early loss, they still have a pathway to the later stages, a structure that could suit Price’s competitive mindset. Meanwhile, the 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen. The night’s schedule promises several marquee match‑ups: Luke Humphries will face Michael van Gerwen in a clash that could prove pivotal for a top‑four finish, while league leader Jonny Clayton renews his rivalry with Gian van Veen. Josh Rock and Luke Littler open the evening’s action, and a high‑stakes encounter between Stephen Bunting and Price will determine who advances to the semi‑finals.
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 decides the top four players who will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28. As the season progresses, Price’s dual‑sport gamble adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans following both darts and pool. In summary, Gerwyn Price is prepared to seize the opportunity to compete in the UK Open Pool Championship, even if it means a tight schedule with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs.
His confidence, experience in cue sports, and competitive drive suggest he will give his best in both arenas, while the PDC has confirmed he faces no regulatory barriers to doing so. Whether he ultimately prioritises darts over pool in the event of a direct clash remains to be seen, but his statements indicate a strong desire to succeed in both disciplines.