Gerwyn Price secured a place in an all‑Welsh quarter‑final encounter with Jonny Clayton after dispatching Ross Smith in straight sets at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. The victory came after Price’s opening‑round triumph over Sebastian Białecki, and it placed him opposite his World Cup of Darts teammate for a Friday night showdown. Price entered the match as one of the tournament favourites, especially after the surprise early exit of Luke Littler. He had already demonstrated his quality by cruising past Białecki, and he continued that form against Smith, conceding only four legs in a 3‑0 win at the Mattioli Arena.
Although Smith posted the highest first‑round average, Price’s efficient scoring and clinical finishing were enough to see him through. In his own match, Clayton began brightly, delivering three consecutive checkouts of 100 points or more and accumulating four ton‑plus finishes overall.
He defeated Wessel Nijman 3‑1, posting a 93.08 average and showcasing a blend of heavy scoring and impressive finishing that helped him overcome the 12th seed. The Dutchman managed to take a leg back with a 90 checkout in the second set, but Clayton quickly re‑established control with a bullseye finish followed by a 126 checkout, eventually sealing the match and booking his spot in the quarter‑finals for the third year running.
Meanwhile, Ryan Joyce breezed into the last eight with a straight‑sets win over Danny Noppert, while Luke Woodhouse – who had caused an upset by eliminating Littler in round one – was eliminated after a one‑sided 3‑0 defeat to Nathan Aspinall. Aspinall, who averaged 96.27 and hit eight 180s, broke Woodhouse’s throw early and then hit a 104 checkout to build a two‑set lead. He then won three consecutive legs to cement his quarter‑final place.
Price’s performance on Monday night was solid, with an average of 101.61, though it dipped about ten points compared with his earlier round. After an early break, he responded with a 13‑dart leg to level the score and then clinched the opening set in a deciding leg. He followed that with an 86 checkout to take the second set and an 80 finish early in the third. Smith fought back with a 116 checkout to break and narrow the gap, but Price sealed the match by finishing on double 18.
Reflecting on his win, 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 own comments highlighted his scoring prowess and the importance of his double finishes.
"My scoring was good but, to be fair, Wessel missed a few chances on doubles and he gave me a few chances," he said. "The two bullseyes were good, the 126 was good and I have a big smile." Woodhouse’s brief resurgence against Littler was cut short by Aspinall’s relentless attack. After losing the first four legs, Woodhouse managed a 135 checkout to break throw, but Aspinall responded with a 104 finish and a series of rapid legs that left the Englishman unable to recover.
Aspinall, confident after his dominant display, told Sky Sports, "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." Looking ahead, Aspinall will meet Ryan Joyce, who produced a commanding opening match where Noppert managed only three legs and appeared frustrated by the shifting floorboards on stage. The quarter‑finals promise high drama, with Price and Clayton both eager to progress and secure a place in the semi‑finals.
The World Grand Prix continues with matches scheduled from 7 p.m., first to three sets. Fans can watch day four live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event, with daily coverage extending through to the final on Sunday. Those without a contract can also stream the action via NOW, taking advantage of the latest Sky Sports deals.