Gerwyn Price pulled off a remarkable comeback in a nail‑biting final‑leg showdown against Jonny Clayton at the World Grand Prix, while James Wade produced a convincing victory over third‑seed Gian van Veen in Leicester, securing a place in the semi‑finals for the Englishman Luke Humphries. The all‑Welsh encounter between Price and Clayton unfolded at the Mattioli Arena and quickly turned into a classic. After falling two sets behind, Price rallied with a surge of confidence, capturing six of the next seven legs to level the match. Clayton, who had been in control, missed a crucial match dart that would have sealed the set in straight legs, allowing Price to force a deciding set.
In that final set, the pressure intensified. Clayton again missed two match‑winning darts, and Price, nicknamed "The Ferret," seized the opportunity, edging out his compatriot and booking his fifth World Grand Prix semi‑final in seven years.
Reflecting on his performance, Price told Sky Sports, "I know what it's like to be in front and losing, but I felt I was the better player throughout. I never gave up, even when I thought I was dead and buried." His resilience was evident as he averaged over 107 in the third set and maintained composure in the fourth, ultimately prevailing in a tense decider. Price's next opponent will be Nathan Aspinall, who delivered a historic quarter‑final performance with a 105.15 average – the fourth‑highest ever recorded at the World Grand Prix and the best ever in a quarter‑final. Aspinall dispatched Ryan Joyce in straight sets, showcasing clinical finishing and high scoring throughout the match.
Aspinall's opening set was completed in just 42 darts, highlighted by a 110 checkout that set the tone for the night. Joyce responded with a spectacular 153 checkout to stay in the contest, but Aspinall answered with a 112 finish and a decisive 75 checkout to close out the match. After the win, Aspinall said, "I'm really happy with that performance.
My starting, my finishing, my 180s – it’s probably one of my best shows ever on stage. I feel I can win this tournament and I’m ready to win another major." In the other quarter‑final, James Wade dominated Gian van Veen, winning eight consecutive legs at the start and not allowing the Dutchman a single dart at double until the third set.
Van Veen finally broke through on his fourth attempt in that set, but Wade quickly re‑asserted control, securing the sixth seed’s throw on the next leg and sealing a 3‑0 victory. Wade praised his own form, stating, "I was really fortunate Gian played like he did.
He was pretty poor and I capitalised on that and bashed him up. Tonight I felt more up for it, and when I'm feeling up for it I do well." Wade’s win sets up a clash with 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who has continued his strong run by beating Dave Chisnall and Jermaine Wattimena in straight sets, and now faces Zonneveld, whom he defeated 3‑0 without dropping a set. Humphries admitted his performance was efficient rather than exhilarating, noting, "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, it will be a tough night for James. If I don’t, it’ll be a tough night for me." The tournament’s format remains first to five sets, with matches beginning at 8 pm each evening.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports+ from 8 pm on Saturday, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 pm and streaming options via NOW without a contract. The competition will continue daily, culminating in the final on Sunday, where the remaining two players will battle for the coveted World Grand Prix trophy. Overall, the day delivered high drama, from Price’s gritty comeback and Clayton’s missed match darts to Wade’s clinical dismantling of Van Veen and Aspinall’s record‑breaking average.
The semi‑final line‑up now features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, promising more thrilling darts as the tournament reaches its climax.