Price and Clayton set all-Welsh World Grand Prix quarterfinal

Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Grand Prix in Leicester, securing an all-Welsh matchup on Friday. Price defeated Ross Smith 3–0 on Wednesday evening, avenging a loss to Smith in the World Series of Darts Finals in September. Clayton progressed with a 3–1 victory over Wessel Nijman, posting a 93.08 average and converting eight 180s, including three consecutive ton-plus checkouts in the opening set (112, 116, and 125).

Price, seeded fourth and among the tournament favourites, showed composure despite being outscored by Smith across the match. Smith posted a 91.11 average compared to Price's 90.81, and landed four 180s in the opening set while threatening to break serve multiple times. However, Price won the critical moments, recovering from being broken early with a 13-dart finish and closing out the match on double 18. Price told Sky Sports: "I don't think it was a great game and I don't think we played brilliant... 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 display against Nijman showcased exceptional finishing. After sweeping the opening set with three bullseye finishes, Nijman recovered to take the second set in a final-leg decider. Clayton regained control in the third with a 126 checkout, then reeled off four of the next six legs to secure his quarter-final spot for the third consecutive year. "My scoring was good but, to be fair, Wessel missed a few chances on doubles and he gave me a few chances," Clayton reflected to Sky Sports, adding that he had "a big smile."

The two Welsh players share a friendly rivalry. Clayton noted the banter between them, explaining that Price regularly sends him a Welsh flag marked "number one" when reclaiming the Welsh ranking. Both are currently ranked in the world's top five—Price at number 4 and Clayton at number 5. If Clayton wins the tournament, he will become Wales's new number one.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Nathan Aspinall and Ryan Joyce also advanced in straight sets. Aspinall posted the highest average of the evening at 96.27, crushing Luke Woodhouse 3–0 in a dominant display that included eight 180s. Woodhouse, who had eliminated defending champion Luke Littler in the first round, offered little resistance. Joyce defeated Danny Noppert 3–0 with an 86.04 average. Aspinall will face Joyce in Friday's quarterfinals, while Price and Clayton meet later in the same evening.