Gerwyn Price pulled off a dramatic comeback, surviving three match darts to edge out Jonny Clayton in a final‑leg thriller at the World Grand Prix, while James Wade delivered a commanding performance to eliminate third‑seed Gian van Veen in Leicester, securing a semi‑final clash with Luke Humphries. The showdown between Price and Clayton unfolded at the Mattioli Arena in a gripping all‑Welsh encounter. After falling two sets behind, Price rallied spectacularly, capturing six of the next seven legs to level the match. Clayton, however, managed to edge ahead in a tense final set, only to miss a match dart that would have sealed the victory in straight legs.
The missed opportunity forced the contest into a decisive last leg, where Price again had a chance to finish but squandered two more match‑winning darts. Seizing the moment, Clayton’s compatriot stepped in and claimed the final leg, sending Price through to the semi‑finals. Price’s resurgence was a testament to his resilience. A year after blowing a two‑set lead and losing a quarter‑final decider to Luke Littler, he demonstrated that he could recover from seemingly impossible positions.
In the third set he produced an 11‑dart break followed by a 12‑dart hold, averaging over 107, and then breezed through the fourth set to force a deciding leg. Though he dropped the next two legs, he held his nerve and ultimately secured a memorable win, earning a place against Nathan Aspinall. Aspinall, who posted a 105.15 average – the fourth highest ever recorded at the World Grand Prix and the best ever in a quarter‑final – will meet Price after dispatching Ryan Joyce in straight sets.
Aspinall opened the match with a rapid 42‑dart first set and a 110 checkout, then continued his dominance with a 112 finish in the second set and a decisive 75 checkout to seal the victory. He praised his own performance, describing it as possibly the best of his career and expressing confidence that he can capture another major title. In the other quarter‑final, Wade displayed why he is often dubbed "The Machine." He surged ahead by winning the first eight legs, denying Van Veen any chance at a double until the third set.
Van Veen finally broke through on his fourth attempt, but Wade quickly re‑asserted control, holding his throw in the next leg and completing a 3‑0 sweep – his first semi‑final appearance since 2014. Wade credited the Dutchman’s sub‑par play, saying he capitalised on the opportunity and felt particularly sharp on the night. Wade’s next opponent will be 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who has yet to lose a set in the tournament.
Humphries dispatched Niels Zonneveld 3‑0, despite converting only 31 % of his doubles, by delivering clutch finishes in tight legs. He admitted his performance was efficient rather than spectacular, but emphasized the importance of winning without dropping a set. Humphries hinted at the pressure ahead, noting that a sub‑standard showing would end his run before the Sunday final, while a strong display could make the night very challenging for Wade. The quarter‑finals set the stage for a semi‑final lineup featuring Price, Aspinall, Wade and Humphries – a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.
Each player highlighted the mental and technical aspects that have brought them this far. Price reflected on his perseverance, saying, "I know what it's like to be in front and losing, but I felt I was the better player throughout the match. I never gave up, even when I thought I was dead and buried." Aspinall spoke about his confidence, stating, "I feel I can win this tournament and I'm ready to win another major.
There's no reason I can't lift the trophy on Sunday." Wade acknowledged his fortunate circumstances, noting, "I was really fortunate Gian played like he did. I capitalised and bashed him up." Humphries, meanwhile, remained pragmatic, focusing on consistency and the need to raise his scoring to keep the momentum. Fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports+ from 8 p.m. on Saturday, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 p.m.
The tournament will run daily through to the final on Sunday, with streaming options available via NOW for those without a traditional contract. The format remains first to five sets, promising more high‑stakes darts as the remaining contenders vie for the coveted World Grand Prix title.