Gerwyn Price demonstrated his trademark resilience in a dramatic final‑leg victory over Jonny Clayton at the World Grand Prix, while James Wade produced a commanding performance to eliminate third‑seed Gian van Veen in Leicester, securing a quarter‑final clash with 2023 champion Luke Humphries. The Welsh showdown between Price and Clayton unfolded at the Mattioli Arena and quickly turned into a classic comeback tale. After falling two sets behind, Price rallied with ferocious intent, capturing six of the next seven legs to level the match at 2‑2. Clayton, who had been in control for much of the early action, found himself under pressure as the decisive fifth set began.
In the opening leg of the final set, Clayton missed a match‑winning dart that would have sealed the encounter in straight legs. The miss gave Price a lifeline, and the tension escalated as both players traded darts for the win.
Clayton again had a chance to finish the set, but another miss forced the contest into a sudden‑death leg. In that climactic leg, Price, known affectionately as "The Ferret," squandered two more match darts, yet his composure never wavered. He seized the moment, hitting the necessary double to claim the match 3‑2 and a coveted place in the semi‑finals. "I know what it's like to be in front and losing, but I feel like I was the better player all the way through the game," Price told Sky Sports after the win.
"I'm just glad I got over the winning line. I thought I was dead and buried, but I never gave up." His comments underscored the mental fortitude that has defined his recent career resurgence, especially after a painful quarter‑final loss to Luke Littler the previous year when he blew a two‑set lead. Price's performance will see him face Nathan Aspinall, who delivered a historic 105.15 three‑dart average – the fourth‑highest ever recorded at the World Grand Prix and the best average ever posted in a quarter‑final of the event. Aspinall's route to the quarter‑final was equally impressive.
He opened his match against Ryan Joyce with a blistering 42‑dart first set, followed by a 110 checkout that set the tone. Joyce responded with a spectacular 153 finish to stay in the contest, but Aspinall's consistency proved too much. He hit a 112 checkout in the second set, broke early in the third, and sealed the win with a 75 finish, cruising to a straight‑sets victory. "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 for my whole career. I feel like I can win this tournament, and I feel like I'm ready to win another major again. There's no reason why I can't and I'd love to win the trophy on Sunday." His confidence reflects a growing belief that he can challenge the sport's elite in major events.
On the other side of the draw, James Wade displayed why he remains one of darts' most feared competitors. Entering the quarter‑final against the Dutch hopeful Gian van Veen, Wade was the clear favourite, a sentiment echoed by Van Veen himself in pre‑match comments.
Wade did not disappoint. He surged ahead by taking each of the first eight legs, never allowing Van Veen a single dart at double until the third set.
When Van Veen finally got a chance, Wade capitalised on a sub‑par performance from the Dutchman, converting a double on his fourth attempt to claim his only leg of the contest. The sixth seed then held his throw in the subsequent leg, completing a 3‑0 whitewash.
"I was really fortunate Gian played like he did," Wade admitted. "He was pretty poor and I capitalised on that and bashed him up. Tonight, I felt more up for it. When I'm feeling up for it, I've done alright." Wade's dominance earned him a semi‑final showdown with Luke Humphries, who has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament.
Humphries, the world No.2, has yet to drop a set, dispatching both Dave Chisnall and Jermaine Wattimena in straight sets before his quarter‑final against Niels Zonneveld. Although Zonneveld missed a set dart that could have leveled the match, Humphries built a two‑set cushion and maintained pressure despite converting only 31% of his doubles. His clinical finishing in tight legs proved decisive, culminating in a 3‑0 victory. "It's one of those performances where you aren't thrilled, but you win 3‑0," Humphries reflected.
"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, then it will be a tough night for James. If I don't, it's going to be a tough night for myself." His candid assessment highlights the fine margins that separate victory from defeat at this level.
The semi‑finals now set up a tantalising clash between Price and Aspinall on one side, and Wade versus Humphries on the other. Each match promises high‑octane darts, strategic brilliance, and the ever‑present possibility of a surprise upset. Fans can catch all 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. and streaming options via NOW for those without a contract. The World Grand Prix continues to deliver drama, skill, and unforgettable moments as the remaining contenders battle for the coveted trophy.
Whether it's Price's gritty comeback, Aspinall's record‑breaking average, Wade's ruthless efficiency, or Humphries' relentless pursuit of perfection, the tournament's final stages are poised to captivate audiences worldwide.