Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he plans to accept a wild‑card invitation to the UK Open Pool Championship in late May, regardless of whether the tournament’s schedule conflicts with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The 2023 Premier League runner‑up was granted a spot in the pool event, which will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 to May 31.
The competition will feature 256 entrants 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 be held at The O2 in London on the evening of May 28. The dual‑sport commitment has sparked a flurry of questions from fans and commentators about how he will manage the logistical challenges and whether he will have to sacrifice one discipline for the other. The man known as “The Iceman” is no stranger to cue sports.
Last year he took part in the Mosconi Cup, appearing in an exhibition Pro‑Am match at Alexandra Palace. In that encounter, he partnered with Milan Patel and delivered the decisive shot against opponents Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating the moment with his characteristic roar. That experience appears to have sparked a genuine interest in nine‑ball pool, prompting him to accept the UK Open invitation. Speaking to Sky Sports before the start of Thursday’s Premier League Darts fixture in Aberdeen, Price explained his reasoning: “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. “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 string of three quarter‑final losses, he finds himself just five points above the fifth‑place cutoff as the league heads into a crucial round of matches. The pressure to secure a Play‑Off berth is intense, and the prospect of juggling two high‑profile tournaments adds another layer of complexity.
When asked whether a potential clash would force him to abandon one of the events, Price replied 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 reassured observers that his focus on darts would not waver: “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 to comment on the situation. In a brief statement, the organization clarified that PDC players are free to compete in non‑darts events outside of their contractual commitments and that Price does not need any special permission to take part in the pool championship.
The PDC 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 and pool. He has previously played rugby league in the Welsh Premiership and even spent a short stint with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, demonstrating his versatility across different competitive arenas. The previous edition of the UK Open Pool Championship was claimed by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who routed Spain’s Jonas Souto 13‑1 in the final held in Telford.
This year’s field promises to be even more diverse, with a mix of seasoned professionals and rising talents from across the globe. As the 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen, the schedule is packed with marquee match‑ups.
Luke Humphries will face Michael van Gerwen in a potentially decisive clash for a top‑four spot, while league leader Jonny Clayton renews his rivalry with Gian van Veen. Meanwhile, Josh Rock and Luke Littler open the evening’s action, and 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—contributing to the league table that determines the four players who will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28. Should Price manage to secure a Play‑Off place, he will face a tight schedule that tests both his physical stamina and his mental focus, balancing the precision of nine‑ball pool with the high‑pressure environment of professional darts. In summary, Gerwyn Price is prepared to embrace the challenge of competing in two demanding sports within a narrow timeframe.
His commitment to the UK Open Pool Championship reflects a genuine enthusiasm for cue sports, while his determination to succeed in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs underscores his primary ambition to excel in darts. Fans can expect an exciting few weeks as Price navigates this unique dual‑sport endeavor, and the broader sporting community will be watching closely to see how he manages the inevitable scheduling conflicts and performance pressures that come with such an ambitious undertaking.