Gerwyn Price engineered a fully Welsh quarter‑final encounter with Jonny Clayton after dispatching Ross Smith in straight sets at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. The Englishman, who entered the event as one of the favourites following Luke Littler’s surprising early departure, built on his opening‑round triumph over Sebastian Białecki by conceding only four legs in a dominant 3‑0 victory over Smith at the Mattioli Arena.
Although Smith had posted the highest first‑round average, Price managed to keep the leg count low, securing a place opposite his World Cup of Darts teammate Clayton on Friday night. The 2020 champion’s performance was solid, but his average of 101.61 on Monday night dipped by more than ten points compared with his earlier form, a factor he later acknowledged in his post‑match interview with Sky Sports.
Price explained, "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." He also noted the added pressure on Clayton, who is chasing a Grand Slam qualification, adding, "I know he is chasing a Grand Slam spot, so the pressure is on him. I think he got lucky in the first round – hopefully he doesn’t get lucky in the next round!" Clayton, meanwhile, opened his own match with a flurry of high‑scoring finishes, recording three consecutive ton‑plus checkouts that propelled him to a 3‑1 win over Wessel Nijman. His 93.08 average and clinical finishing helped him overcome the 12th seed, and he concluded the contest by posting eight maximums alongside a series of impressive bullseye finishes.
"My scoring was good but, to be fair, Wessel missed a few chances on doubles and he gave me a few chances," Clayton told Sky Sports. "The two bullseyes were good, the 126 was good and I have a big smile." The quarter‑final lineup also featured Ryan Joyce, who breezed past Danny Noppert in straight sets, and Nathan Aspinall, who delivered a one‑sided 3‑0 victory over Luke Woodhouse – the same player who had stunned Littler in the opening round.
Woodhouse’s hopes were quickly extinguished after losing the first four legs, though he managed a 135 checkout to break serve before Aspinall sealed the match. Aspinall’s display was characterised by a 96.27 average and an impressive eight 180s.
He broke back early, took out a 104 checkout to establish a two‑set lead, and then won three successive legs from 2‑0 down to clinch his spot in the quarter‑finals. Reflecting on his performance, Aspinall said, "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. If it all comes together, I am one of the best players in the world. Everybody knows that but I have to prove it." In the next round, Aspinall is set to meet Ryan Joyce, who dominated his own opening match of the evening.
Joyce’s opponent, Danny Noppert, managed only three legs and appeared frustrated by the movement of the stage floorboards, a factor that may have contributed to his defeat. The tournament schedule continues with the quarter‑finals kicking off at 7 p.m., the first player to win three sets advancing to the semi‑finals.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event, with daily coverage running through to the final on Sunday. For those without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW with flexible, contract‑free deals. Overall, the World Grand Prix is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of darts talent, featuring high averages, dramatic checkouts, and a strong Welsh presence in the latter stages.
Price’s steady hand, Clayton’s explosive finishing, Joyce’s composure, and Aspinall’s relentless scoring all promise an exciting road to the championship, with the added narrative of national pride adding extra spice to the competition. Viewers are encouraged to tune in, as the drama unfolds and the quest for the coveted Grand Prix title intensifies.