Gerwyn Price has announced that he will accept the invitation to compete in the UK Open Pool Championship in May, even if the tournament’s schedule clashes with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The 2023 Premier League runner‑up was granted a wild‑card entry to the pool event, which will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 to May 31.
The competition will feature 256 participants representing more than 50 nations and will boast a prize pool of £167,500. At the same time, Price is still fighting for a spot 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 darts star, known as “The Iceman,” has a background in cue sports; he previously took part in last year’s Mosconi Cup, playing in a Pro‑Am exhibition at Alexandra Palace. In that match, Price teamed with Milan Patel and delivered the decisive shot against Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating his success 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 that his primary goal remains to qualify for the darts Play‑Offs, but if he does, he believes he can still manage both events. “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 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 losses, he finds himself just five points above the fifth‑place threshold, putting his Play‑Off chances in jeopardy ahead of Thursday night’s matches. Nevertheless, his confidence in juggling both disciplines remains high.
When asked about the potential clash between the two tournaments, Price replied, “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 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 should he qualify for the Play‑Offs.
The PDC issued a statement confirming that Price does not need any special permission to take part in non‑darts events outside of his contractual obligations. “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 has a diverse sporting résumé.
He has previously played rugby union in the Welsh Premiership and even had a brief stint with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, showcasing his athletic versatility. The previous edition of the UK Open Pool Championship was claimed by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who routed Jonas Souto 13‑1 in the final held in Telford. The tournament’s sizable prize fund and international field make it an attractive proposition for a high‑profile athlete like Price, who sees it as an opportunity to test his cue‑sport skills on a larger stage.
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen, with a packed schedule that includes a potential showdown between Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, a clash that could prove pivotal 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. Later in the night, Stephen Bunting will meet Price in a battle 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 points accumulate to form the 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. 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, should the schedules overlap. His willingness to juggle two demanding sports underscores his competitive spirit and his desire to succeed across multiple arenas.
Whether he ultimately prioritises darts or pool will depend on how the events unfold, but his statements make clear that he intends to give his all in each arena, aiming for victory wherever he steps onto the stage.