Welsh darts enthusiasts will have a lot to cheer about on Friday night in Leicester, where a crucial clash between Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton will determine not only national bragging rights but also a coveted spot in the semi‑finals of the World Grand Prix. The match carries extra significance because the two competitors are also partners in the World Cup of Darts, meaning the winner will temporarily become Wales' top‑ranked player on the PDC Order of Merit.
At the time of writing, Price sits at world number four, a single place ahead of Clayton, who is positioned at number five. A victory for Price would extend his slender lead over his compatriot, reinforcing his status as the current Welsh number one.
Conversely, if Clayton manages to overcome the Iceman, he will not only move ahead in the rankings but also secure a place in the Grand Slam of Darts later in November, potentially overtaking Price as the nation’s premier darts star. The encounter will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ and the main Sky Sports channel from 7 p.m. on Friday.
The evening’s programme also includes Nathan Aspinall versus Ryan Joyce, Luke Humphries against Niels Zonneveld, and a showdown between Gian van Veen and James Wade. Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience. Historically, Price has enjoyed a favourable head‑to‑head record against Clayton, leading the rivalry 30‑15.
Their most recent meeting was a semi‑final at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, where Price prevailed 11‑7. However, the tables turned in the 2021 World Grand Prix final when Clayton delivered a dominant 5‑1 victory, leaving Price "smashed up" as he described it. Price, who has previously teamed with Clayton to win the World Cup in 2020 and 2023, acknowledged the challenge ahead: "I know how good Jonny can play, I know how bad he can play. I know how good and how bad I can play.
I just need to take my opportunities. If I can start well, score in between and put Jonny under pressure, I think I will come through but it's going to be a real tough one.
It's special for Wales regardless of who wins the game. We're going to have a Welshman in the semi‑final of another massive major." Clayton responded in kind, highlighting the friendly rivalry between the two: "There's banter between me and Gezzy. Every time he gets to Welsh No 1, he sends me a flag with a No 1 on. We're good friends, world number 4 and 5.
You can't fault that from Wales!" He also noted his recent form, having scraped past Krzysztof Ratajski 2‑1 in the first round before delivering four‑ton plus finishes, including three in the opening set, to defeat the rising Dutchman Wessel Nijman 3‑1. Price, meanwhile, has not dropped a single set in the tournament so far. He opened with a clean 2‑0 win over Sebastian Bialecki and then thumped Ross Smith 3‑0, avenging his loss to "Smudger" in the recent World Series final in the Netherlands. The all‑Welsh encounter will be complemented by other compelling matches on Friday.
Luke Humphries, the second seed, will face Niels Zonneveld, the lowest‑ranked remaining player at world No 35. Humphries, who is chasing a second Grand Prix title after his 2023 triumph, stressed the importance of respecting every opponent: "One thing this tournament teaches you is not to take anyone for granted. If I think because Niels is whatever ranking he is that I'm going to win the game easy, I will fail. He's playing good darts and could be the Mike De Decker story.
I will treat him with the respect I would every player, the respect he deserves." Humphries also reflected on the personal significance of adding another major to his résumé: "When you have experienced that achievement of winning a lot and then it all goes away for 12 months, when you get that experience of winning again it feels even sweeter. I have worked really hard over the last 12 months and not got the rewards so winning would do me good, boost my confidence. Because I'm not picking up one or two majors a year, people think you are not as good as you used to be but I feel I am playing better than ever. I still feel there is another level in me.
I'm just trying to find where that comes from." On the other side of the draw, the unheralded Ryan Joyce will take on Nathan Aspinall. Joyce, known for his precision on double 16, sees the double‑in, double‑out format of the Grand Prix as his best opportunity to capture a major title. He previously reached the semi‑finals in 2024 before being eliminated by Humphries. Joyce’s confidence has been buoyed by an unlikely source: an AI chat assistant.
He recounted, "I thought, 'I'll put ChatGPT on and say I've got a big game coming up. Have you got any tips on how I can handle it better?' The AI gave me a list of things to do, and I realized I was already doing most of them. That gave me a little boost, so I'll just continue with what I'm doing.
I don't need anybody's help. I'm just going to do it myself." Aspinall, however, remains skeptical of Joyce’s chances, warning that a repeat of his earlier dominant performance against Luke Woodhouse could spell trouble for the Welshman: "Joyce is unreal on his double 16 but he can't score like me – and he knows that.
If I score like I did [in round two], he's not going to beat me, simple as that." Fans can follow the quarter‑final action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 7 p.m. on Friday, with daily coverage continuing through to the Sunday final. For those looking for flexible viewing options, Sky Sports also offers streaming deals with NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a long‑term contract. In summary, Friday’s programme promises high‑stakes drama, national pride, and a showcase of both established stars and hungry underdogs.
Whether Price consolidates his position at the summit of Welsh darts or Clayton usurps him, the match will set the tone for the remainder of the World Grand Prix and could shape the rankings heading into the season’s next major events.