Price books Clayton showdown at World Grand Prix as Aspinall races through

[Clayton Challenges Price in Title-Thrilling Quarter-Final at World Grand Prix; Aspinall Advances Through Struggling Field]

Gerwyn Price secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Ross Smith at the World Grand Prix, setting up an all-Welsh quarter-final showdown with Jonny Clayton. Ryan Joyce also progressed into the knockout stage with a straight-sets triumph against Danny Noppert, while Luke Woodhouse fell short when Nathan Aspinall dispatched him in a decisive 3-0 defeat.

Price, who sat comfortably among the tournament favorites after Luke Littler’s shock early elimination, maintained his form by leaving just four legs in his win over Smith. Though outscored by the opponent, he restricted himself to the minimum required and booked a slot for his third consecutive quarter-final.

Price and Clayton Set Up Intense Welsh Quarter-Final

In Monday’s event, Price averaged 101.61 before facing Smith. While down early, he surged with a devastating 13-darter, leveled the score in the next frame, and secured the deciding set with a precise D18 checkout. Opposing him was former World Champion who postmarked high totals, but still managed to thin his lead to force a final-leg decider.

Clayton dismantled Wessel Nijman with a striking 125 checkout—including a spectacular bullseye—and then dominated Nijman further in the second half. Completing his personal triple-digit set tally this weekend, Price’s aggressive play produced nine total sets and guaranteed his progression to the quarter-finals.

The 2020 world champion struggled against Smith, who outscored him by a significant margin but still only needed four leg exits to claim the win. Smith, meanwhile, posted the highest first-round average of anyone involved, leading the opponent to his rare 3-0 defeat.

Jonny Clayton opened his session with three consecutive ton-plus checkouts before sealing a 3-1 victory over Wessel Nijman. A 93.08 average underpinned his effort as he powered through the match, ending with four of his next six legs to reach his quarters.

How Price and Clayton Created a Welsh Showdown

Price’s individual consistency shone brightly before Smith. After a strong showing that evening, he targeted Smith’s bowler with remarkable precision—narrowly edging his first-round loss over four sets. Claytons quarter-final preparation was sealed when he dispatched Nijmain by accumulating three straight shutouts, capped by a breathtaking bullseye checkout before Nijman eventually broke to a second final-leg set.

Clayton’s path led him to Nijmain initially, where a 125 finish in the opening set highlighted his dominance. Later, he repeated his brilliance against Wessel Nijman, taking control with a bullseye and building a commanding second set. The older dartter finished the encounter with seven maximum scores and continued racking up sets—a streak that saw him climb directly to the quarters for a third straight year.

“I don’t think it was a great game and I don’t think we played brilliant,” Price admitted to Sky Sports. “What we did do in patches was start well and finish well, but the bits in between were a little rubbish.”

“I know he [Clayton] is chasing a Grand Slam spot, so the pressure is on him. I think he got lucky first round—but hopefully he doesn’t get lucky again!”

Clayton similarly reflected on his battle, acknowledging Wessel Nijman’s errors while emphasizing his own potent finishing – “The two bullseyes were good, the 126 was good, and I have a big smile.”

Niathe (should be “Later”) Clayton’s tactical execution proved vital. By locking in the decisive sets with razor-sharp shot selection—particularly early bullseyes—he erased early defensive weaknesses and forced a dramatic third-set climax.

Aspinall Rejects Woodhouse’s Title Bid

While Paul Woodhouse briefly challenged Luke Littler in the first round, Nathan Aspinall snapped the sequence on Sunday, demolishing Mike Schroeder’s former opponent with a convincing 3-1 win. Aspinall’s campaign relied heavily on consistent mid-range accuracy and bold risk-taking throughout both sessions.

Turning his attention to the day’s conclusions, Woodhouse’s exhibition ended for both of his losses, marking the end of his competitive form in the tournament. Aspinall moves unchallenged forward to face Ryan Joyce next in the group stage.

• Danny Noppert 0-3 Ryan Joyce
• Jonny Clayton 3-1 Wessel Nijman
• Gerwyn Price 3-0 Ross Smith
• Luke Woodhouse 0-3 Nathan Aspinall

Second-Round Results &Fixtures

Remaining competition schedule ahead: Thursday’s events will feature upcoming rivalries including Niels Zonneveld versus Gary Anderson, James Wade against Stephen Bunting, Luke Humphries viding Jermaine Wattimena, and Gian van Veen countering Ryan Searle. Watch Day Four starts Thursday at 7pm on Sky Sports+, with additional live coverage available daily through the final.

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