Gerwyn Price demonstrated remarkable resilience in a dramatic final‑leg encounter at the World Grand Prix, overturning a two‑set deficit to defeat Jonny Clayton and secure a place in the semi‑finals. The match, staged at the Mattioli Arena, unfolded as a gripping all‑Welsh duel, with Price rallying from 0‑2 down by claiming six of the next seven legs, thereby leveling the contest. Clayton, however, managed to edge ahead in a tense final set, only to miss a decisive match dart that would have closed out the set in straight legs. The miss forced the game into a sudden‑death leg, where Price, known as "The Ferret," again missed two match‑winning darts, giving Clayton a fleeting opportunity.
Nevertheless, Price seized the moment, capitalising on Clayton’s errors to clinch the final leg and, with it, a coveted semi‑final berth. The victory sets up a showdown with Nathan Aspinall, who posted a staggering 105.15 average in his quarter‑final triumph over Ryan Joyce – the fourth highest average ever recorded at the World Grand Prix and the best ever in a quarter‑final.
Aspinall’s performance, marked by clinical finishing and relentless scoring, underscored his intent to add another major title to his résumé. Meanwhile, James Wade delivered a dominant display against third‑seed Gian van Veen, dropping only a single leg in a 3‑0 rout that propelled him into the last four for the first time since 2014.
Wade’s early onslaught saw him claim the first eight legs without conceding a double, only allowing Van Veen a chance at double in the third set, where Wade finally broke his own clean sheet to claim his solitary leg before sealing the match with a decisive break of throw in the fourth set. Luke Humphries, the tournament favourite after Luke Littler’s surprising early exit, continued his flawless run, yet again winning without dropping a set. He dispatched Niels Zonneveld 3‑0, showcasing a blend of high scoring and clinical finishing despite converting just 31 % of his doubles.
Humphries’ composure in tight legs and his ability to build early leads have positioned him as a strong contender for the title. A year after squandering a two‑set lead and losing a quarter‑final decider to Littler, Price’s comeback narrative resonated strongly.
After Clayton took out 110 and 117 to seize the opening leg, Price responded with an 11‑dart break and a 12‑dart hold in the third set, posting an average above 107. He then cruised through the fourth set, setting the stage for a final‑leg showdown. Despite missing two match darts, Price’s perseverance paid off, and he reflected on his mental fortitude, telling Sky Sports, "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.
I'm just glad I got over the winning line. I thought I was dead and buried, but I never gave up." In the other quarter‑final, Aspinall’s rapid start saw him complete the opening set in just 42 darts, followed by a 110 checkout that set the tone for a dominant performance. Ryan Joyce fought back, producing a spectacular 153 checkout to stay in the match, but Aspinall’s consistency proved too much.
He finished the second set with a 112 finish, broke early in the third, and sealed the victory with a 75 checkout, prompting him to say, "I'm really happy with that performance. 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." Van Veen had entered his match with Wade believing the Dutchman might be the favourite, but Wade’s relentless pressure proved overwhelming.
Wade’s eight‑leg streak at the start and his ability to deny Van Veen any chance at double until the third set highlighted a performance that was both clinical and intimidating. After finally conceding a leg, Wade closed out the match with a break of throw in the fourth set, securing a 3‑0 victory. Looking ahead, Wade will meet 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who, despite not yet reaching the level he aspires to, has continued his straight‑sets dominance over opponents like Dave Chisnall and Jermaine Wattimena.
Humphries, who missed a set dart against Zonneveld before establishing a two‑set cushion, acknowledged the modest nature of his performance, stating, "It's one of those performances where you aren't thrilled, but you win 3‑0. 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." The tournament’s format remains first to five sets, with matches commencing at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports+ from 8 p.m., with additional coverage on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 p.m.
and daily highlights leading up to the final on Sunday. For those without a contract, streaming options are available via NOW, ensuring broad accessibility to the high‑stakes drama unfolding at the World Grand Prix.