Gerwyn Price remained on course for a second Boylesports World Grand Prix title, but he had to survive a huge scare before completing a comeback 3-2 win against his fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton in the quarter finals in Leicester.
Despite being the better player for large parts of their contest, Price found himself 2-0 down and facing the exit in the East Midlands, but he leapt into action, swiftly levelling the tie after two blistering sets went his way.
The pendulum swung again though, as Clayton went 2-0 up in the final set, but ‘The Ferret’ would rue a missed match dart, and then two more in an absorbing final leg that Price won with a nerveless 60 finish on his trusty tops.
“Obviously I feel for Jonny,” said Price post-match.
“I know what it’s like to be ahead and lose here, but I felt like I was the better player all the way through the game and I was quite unlucky to be 2-0 down.
“I just felt like I was gifting Jonny some opportunities, but that’s the way darts goes sometimes and I had to stick in there.
“I’m in some decent form. I thought I was dead and buried there but I never give up, and for two sets in that match I was pretty much unplayable.”
Next up for ‘The Iceman’ will be Nathan Aspinall, and he flirted with the record average at the tournament for some time, eventually settling for a 105.15 average in a 3-0 win against Ryan Joyce.
Seven 180s propelled Aspinall into a strong lead, and although Joyce fought back in set three, a 75 finish confirmed victory for the Stockport man in impressive fashion.
“I’m absolutely buzzing,” said Aspinall.
“I felt so relaxed and focused tonight. My starting was unbelievable; the amount of 152s I hit in those first two sets was ridiculous.
“I’m really happy with that performance. That’s probably one of the best performances I’ve ever produced in my career.
“I’ve been a lot more composed this week. I feel like I can win this tournament, and I feel like I’m ready to win another major [title] again.”
James Wade stayed in the hunt for a hat-trick of Grand Prix crowns, and he advanced with the minimum of fuss as he whitewashed Gian van Veen in a dominant display.
Wade won the first eight legs of the match without allowing van Veen a shot at a double, and he eventually conceded just a sole leg to race into the semi finals in under 20 minutes flat.
Wade will take on 2023 champion Luke Humphries for a place in the final, and ‘Cool Hand’ is yet to drop a set as he eased to a 3-0 win over debutant Niels Zonneveld.
Humphries dropped just four legs, and was largely in cruise control as he bids for a fourth straight appearance in the showpiece.
2026 BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix
Friday October 2
Quarter-Finals x4
Nathan Aspinall 3-0 Ryan Joyce (3-0, 3-2, 3-2)
Gerwyn Price 3-2 Jonny Clayton (2-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-2)
James Wade 3-0 Gian van Veen (3-0, 3-0, 3-1)
Luke Humphries 3-0 Niels Zonneveld (3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
Saturday October 3 (2000 BST)
Semi-Finals
Nathan Aspinall v Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries v James Wade
Best of Nine Sets
–ENDS–
