Gerwyn Price engineered a dramatic all‑Welsh quarter‑final encounter with Jonny Clayton after cruising past Ross Smith in straight sets at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. The event, which has already produced a few surprising twists, saw the 2020 champion cement his status as one of the tournament favourites, especially after the early upset of Luke Littler.
Price’s journey began with a confident win over Sebastian Białecki, and he continued his strong form by allowing only four legs to slip away in a 3‑0 demolition of Smith at the Mattioli Arena. Although Smith posted the highest average in the opening round, Price’s consistency and clinical finishing proved decisive. The Welshman dropped just four legs, securing a place opposite his World Cup of Darts teammate Jonny Clayton on Friday evening.
The pairing promises a fascinating tactical battle, as both players bring contrasting styles and a deep familiarity with each other's strengths. Clayton, meanwhile, announced his own intent with a spectacular display of high‑scoring checkouts. He opened his match against Dutch qualifier Wessel Nijman with three consecutive ton‑plus finishes, ultimately posting a 93.08 average and a 3‑1 victory. His four finishing darts – a 112, a 116, a 125 on the bull, and a further 126 – underscored his reputation as a finisher of the highest order.
The win propelled the 12th seed into the quarter‑finals for the third year in a row, setting up the much‑anticipated showdown with Price. In other sections of the draw, Ryan Joyce breezed past Danny Noppert in straight sets, while Luke Woodhouse – who had stunned Littler in the first round – fell to Nathan Aspinall in a one‑sided 3‑0 encounter.
Aspinall, averaging 96.27 and launching eight 180s, broke Woodhouse’s throw early, followed by a decisive 104 checkout that gave him a two‑set lead. He then swept three consecutive legs to seal his quarter‑final berth, demonstrating the composure that has become his hallmark in high‑pressure situations. Price’s performance against Smith was a study in resilience.
After an early break, he responded with a flawless 13‑dart leg, then clinched the opening set in a final‑leg decider. He continued to showcase his scoring power, taking an 86 finish to claim the second set and an 80 checkout early in the third.
Smith fought back with a 116 finish to level the match, but Price ultimately sealed the win on a double 18. Reflecting on his play, 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.
I know he [Clayton] is chasing a Grand Slam spot, so the pressure is on him. I think he got lucky first round – hopefully he doesn't get lucky in the next round!" Clayton’s own comments highlighted his satisfaction with his scoring and finishing: "My scoring was good but, to be fair, Wessel [Nijman] 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 eight maximums and flawless checkout work illustrate why he is regarded as one of the premier finishers on the circuit. Aspinall, after dispatching Woodhouse, spoke about his mental fortitude: "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 dominated his opening match, limiting Noppert to just three legs and expressing frustration at the moving stage floorboards – a factor that can subtly affect a player's rhythm.
The quarter‑finals promise a blend of tactical nuance and raw scoring firepower. Price’s methodical approach, Clayton’s explosive checkout ability, Aspinall’s relentless pressure handling, and Joyce’s steady hand all converge to create a compelling narrative for the remainder of the tournament.
Fans can tune in from 7 p.m. on Thursday for the next round, with live coverage on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event continuing through to the final on Sunday. For those without a traditional subscription, the event is also available via NOW with flexible, contract‑free streaming options.
As the competition intensifies, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Welsh duo can maintain their dominance or if a dark horse will emerge to upset the balance. The blend of high averages, precise finishing, and mental toughness on display so far suggests that the World Grand Prix will continue to deliver high‑octane darts action, with each match offering a fresh storyline and the potential for historic moments.