Gerwyn Price secured a place in an all-Welsh quarter-final showdown with his compatriot Jonny Clayton after dispatching Ross Smith in straight sets at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. The English venue, the Mattioli Arena, witnessed Price’s crisp performance following his opening‑round victory over Sebastian Białecki, as he allowed only four legs to fall against Smith. Although Smith posted the highest average of the first round, Price’s efficiency and composure saw him win 3‑0, earning a coveted meeting with his World Cup of Darts teammate Clayton on Friday night.
The Welshman entered the tournament as one of the favourites, especially after the surprising early exit of teenage sensation Luke Littler. Price’s average of 101.61 on Monday night dipped slightly against Smith, who had been the top‑scoring player in the opening round. After an early break, Price answered with a flawless 13‑dart finish to level the match, then clinched the opening set in a deciding leg.
He followed that with an 86‑checkout to take the second set and an 80 finish early in the third. Smith responded with a 116 checkout to break and pull ahead, but Price steadied his nerves and sealed the win with a double 18.
Reflecting on his performance, Price told Sky Sports, "I don't think it was a great game and I don't think we played brilliant. What we did do in patches was start well and finish well, but the bits in between were a little bit rubbish." He added that Clayton, who is also chasing a Grand Slam qualification, would feel the pressure, noting, "I think he got lucky in the first round – hopefully he doesn't get lucky in the next round!" Clayton, meanwhile, opened his match against Wessel Nijman with three consecutive ton‑plus checkouts, a display of finishing that set the tone for his 3‑1 victory. He began the first set by breaking Smith’s throw with a 112 checkout, followed by a 116 finish to hold, and capped the set with a bullseye 125 finish.
Nijman fought back, taking the second set with a 90 checkout in a final‑leg decider, but Clayton quickly regained momentum, opening the third set with a 126 checkout on the bull. Throughout the match, Clayton recorded eight 180s and four maximum finishes, showcasing both scoring power and clinical finishing.
After the match, Clayton explained to Sky Sports, "My scoring was good but, to be fair, Wessel missed a few chances on doubles and he gave me a few chances. The two bullseyes were good, the 126 was good and I have a big smile." His composure and precision earned him a spot in the quarter‑finals for the third year in a row. On the other side of the draw, Ryan Joyce breezed through his opening round, defeating Danny Noppert in straight sets, while Luke Woodhouse, who had shocked Littler earlier, was eliminated after a one‑sided 3‑0 loss to Nathan Aspinall.
Aspinall, averaging 96.27 and hitting eight 180s, broke Woodhouse’s throw early and then hit a 104 checkout to build a two‑set lead. He continued his dominance by winning three consecutive legs from 2‑0 down, sealing his quarter‑final berth. Aspinall commented, "As long as I can handle the pressure, which I think I have shown in these two games in the key moments, I am going to be tough to beat this week. If it all comes together, I am one of the best players in the world.
Everybody knows that but I have to prove it." He will now face Ryan Joyce, who delivered a commanding performance in his own opening match, limiting Noppert to just three legs and expressing frustration over the stage floorboards shifting during play. The quarter‑finals promise high drama, with Price and Clayton set to meet in a Welsh duel that could determine who advances to the semi‑finals and potentially the final. Both players have demonstrated strong scoring, precise finishing, and the mental resilience required at this level of competition.
Fans can watch the action live from 7 p.m. on Thursday, as the World Grand Prix continues its daily coverage on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event, culminating in the final on Sunday.
Those without a Sky Sports subscription can also explore streaming options on NOW with flexible, contract‑free deals. The tournament’s format remains first to three sets, meaning each match can swing quickly, rewarding players who can seize early momentum and maintain composure under pressure.
With the quarter‑final line‑up now set, the stage is ready for thrilling darts, strategic checkouts, and the inevitable excitement that comes when top‑ranked players collide in the latter stages of a major event.