Gerwyn Price secured a straight‑sets victory over Ross Smith at the World Grand Prix, paving the way for an all‑Welsh quarter‑final encounter with his World Cup of Darts teammate Jonny Clayton. The English‑based event in Leicester also saw Ryan Joyce and Nathan Aspinall move forward, adding further intrigue to the knockout stages. Price entered the second round as one of the tournament favourites, especially after the surprising early exit of teenage sensation Luke Littler. After a convincing opening‑round win against Poland's Sebastian Białecki, Price faced Smith at the Mattioli Arena and allowed only four legs to slip away in a 3‑0 triumph.
Although Smith posted the highest average of the first round, Price’s efficiency and composure saw him dominate the match, earning a Friday night showdown with Clayton. Clayton, the 2022 World Grand Prix champion, started his second‑round match against Dutch qualifier Wessel Nijman with a spectacular display of high‑checkout finishing. He opened with three consecutive ton‑plus checkouts, eventually compiling four in total, and posted a 93.08 average to defeat the 12th seed 3‑1. His precise finishing, which included a 112 checkout, a 116, and a 125 bullseye, gave him a strong statement of intent heading into the quarter‑finals.
Meanwhile, Ryan Joyce breezed past Danny Noppert in straight sets, while Luke Woodhouse—who had upset Littler in the opening round—was eliminated after a 3‑0 loss to Aspinall. Aspinall, the 2023 World Grand Prix champion, produced a solid 96.27 average and hit eight 180s in his match, breaking Woodhouse early and sealing the win with a 135 finish. Price’s performance against Smith was a study in resilience.
After being broken early, he responded with a 13‑dart finish to level the set, then clinched the opening set in a deciding leg. He followed with an 86 checkout to take the second set and an 80 finish early in the third. Smith briefly surged with a 116 checkout to break, but Price steadied the ship, finishing the match on 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 encounter with Nijman was equally dramatic.
After taking the first set in straight legs with three back‑to‑back ton‑plus finishes—starting with a 112 checkout, then a 116, and finally a 125 bullseye—Nijman fought back, snatching the second set with a 90 checkout in a final‑leg decider. Clayton responded by opening the third set with a bullseye finish and a 126 checkout, then continued to dominate, posting eight maximums throughout the match.
He later explained, "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." In the other quarter‑final bracket, Aspinall demonstrated why he is considered one of the sport’s elite. After losing the first four legs to Woodhouse, he turned the tide with a 135 checkout to break throw. He then broke back, hit a 104 finish to establish a two‑set lead, and proceeded to win three consecutive legs from 2‑0 down, sealing his place in the last eight.
"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," Aspinall said. "If it all comes together, I am one of the best players in the world. Everybody knows that but I have to prove it." Aspirations now shift to the upcoming quarter‑final match‑ups.
Aspinall will meet Ryan Joyce, who delivered a dominant performance against Danny Noppert, limiting the Dutchman to just three legs and expressing frustration over the stage floorboards. The quarter‑finals are set to begin at 7 p.m., with the first player to win three sets progressing. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 7 p.m.
on Thursday, with daily coverage continuing through the final on Sunday. For those without a Sky subscription, the tournament is also available via NOW with flexible streaming options and no long‑term contract required. The stage is set for a thrilling Welsh showdown between Price and Clayton, while Aspinall aims to maintain his momentum against Joyce. With high averages, prolific 180s, and clutch checkouts on display, the World Grand Prix promises more high‑octane darts as the competition moves deeper into its knockout phase.