Gerwyn Price demonstrated his resilience in a nail‑biting encounter at the World Grand Prix, surviving three match darts to edge out Jonny Clayton in a final‑leg thriller that secured his place in the semi‑finals. Meanwhile, James Wade produced a commanding performance, eliminating third‑seed Gian van Veen in Leicester and earning a quarter‑final clash with 2023 champion Luke Humphries.
The showdown between Price and Clayton unfolded at the Mattioli Arena in a pure Welsh showdown that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. After dropping the first two sets, Price mounted a remarkable comeback, winning six of the next seven legs to level the match. Clayton, however, managed to snatch the lead in the decisive fifth set, only to miss a match‑winning dart that would have sealed the victory in straight legs.
The miss forced the contest into a sudden‑death final leg, where Price again missed two darts at double, allowing his compatriot to claim the win and a coveted semi‑final berth. Price’s resurgence was built on an aggressive scoring run in the third set, where he posted an average of over 107, followed by a smooth fourth set that set up the deciding leg. Even after losing two consecutive legs in the decider, Price stayed composed, capitalising on a few missed opportunities from Clayton to clinch the match.
"I know what it’s like to be ahead and then lose it, but I felt I was the better player throughout," Price told Sky Sports after the victory. "I thought I was dead and buried, but I never gave up." The winner of the Price‑Clayton clash will now face Nathan Aspinall, who produced a historic performance in his quarter‑final against Ryan Joyce. Aspinall recorded a 105.15 three‑dart average – the fourth highest ever in World Grand Prix history and the best ever in a quarter‑final – as he dispatched Joyce in straight sets. Aspinall opened the match with a blistering 42‑dart first set and followed up with a 110 checkout, then a 112 finish to take the second set.
Joyce managed a spectacular 153 checkout just to stay in the match, but Aspinall’s consistency proved too much, and he closed the third set with a 75 finish. "I’m really happy with that performance," Aspinall said. "My starting, my finishing, my 180s – it’s probably one of my best performances ever on stage. I feel like I can win this tournament and I’m ready to win another major." On the other side of the draw, James Wade delivered a dominant display against Gian van Veen, winning eight consecutive legs before the Dutchman could even threaten a double.
Wade didn’t allow Van Veen a dart at double until the third set, where Van Veen finally broke through on his fourth attempt, claiming the only leg of the match for Wade. However, Wade quickly re‑established control, holding his throw in the next leg and sealing a 3‑0 victory.
"I was really fortunate Gian played the way he did," Wade explained. "He was pretty poor and I capitalised on that. Tonight I felt more up for it, and when I’m feeling up for it I do alright." Wade’s win sets up a quarter‑final meeting with Luke Humphries, who has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament.
Humphries has not dropped a set yet, cruising past Niels Zonneveld 3‑0 in the previous round and delivering a series of clutch finishes despite converting only 31 % of his doubles. After a solid start, Humphries built a two‑set lead and maintained pressure, eventually winning 3‑0 without losing a single set.
"It’s one of those performances where you aren’t thrilled, but you win 3‑0," Humphries admitted. "Hopefully tomorrow is a lot better because if it isn’t, I won’t be here on Sunday. If I score the way I know I can, it will be a tough night for James. If I don’t, it will be a tough night for me." The tournament continues with the semi‑final schedule set for 8 pm, with matches played to the best of five sets.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports+ from 8 pm on Saturday, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 pm and streaming options on NOW without a contract. The World Grand Prix promises more drama as the remaining contenders vie for the coveted trophy, with the final slated for Sunday.