Gerwyn Price to Compete in 2026 UK Open Pool Championship Despite Potential Darts Play-Off Clash

Key facts

• Gerwyn Price, seventh in PDC order of merit, will play in the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship at Brentwood Centre, 25-30 May.
• The Premier League Darts Play-Offs are scheduled for 28 May at The O2 in London, creating a potential fixture clash.
• Price currently sits third in Premier League standings after 12 of 16 events, five points above fifth place.
• The UK Open Pool Championship features 256 players, including 128 professionals from over 50 countries, with a £167,500 prize fund.
• Aloysius Yapp of Singapore won the 2025 title, defeating Spain's Jonas Souto 13-1 in the final.
• Price previously played pool at the Mosconi Cup exhibition pro-am event at Alexandra Palace.

A Dual-Sport Gamble

Gerwyn Price, the 2021 darts world champion known as 'The Iceman', is set to swap his darts for a cue at the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship, an event that may directly conflict with his pursuit of the Premier League Darts title. The pool tournament runs from 25 to 30 May at the Brentwood Centre in Essex, while the Premier League Darts Play-Offs are scheduled for the evening of 28 May at The O2 in London. Price, who is currently third in the Premier League standings after 12 of 16 events, has stated he intends to compete in both, despite the logistical challenge.

Wild Card Entry and Prize Fund

Price has been handed a wild card to enter the UK Open Pool Championship, which boasts a £167,500 prize fund and a field of 256 players. Among them are 128 professional players from more than 50 countries, alongside amateur entrants in an open format. The tournament is a major event in the pool calendar, with last year's champion, Aloysius Yapp of Singapore, defeating Spain's Jonas Souto 13-1 in the final in Telford.

Price's Pool Pedigree and Enthusiasm

Price has previous experience in pool, having participated in an exhibition pro-am event at Alexandra Palace during last year's Mosconi Cup. In that event, he partnered with Milan Patel to defeat Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, celebrating with his trademark scream. Speaking before a Premier League Darts night in Aberdeen, Price told Sky Sports: 'I went and watched the Mosconi Cup and have taken some interest in nine-ball pool, and got an invite to the UK Open. So, I'll take it with both hands and give it a crack.'

Navigating the Schedule Conflict

Price is aware of the potential clash and has outlined a possible schedule. 'Hopefully I make the Premier League Darts Play-Offs, first of all. If I do, with the pool, I think I could possibly play on the Tuesday. It's double-elimination, so I'll still be in for a couple days after that. Then maybe break up a bit on Thursday [for the darts], and Friday-Saturday I should be playing [pool] again hopefully,' he said. The double-elimination format of the pool championship could allow him to compete in both events if he manages his time carefully.

Premier League Play-Off Race

Price's foray into pool comes at a critical juncture in his darts season. He has endured a sluggish few weeks, failing to win three consecutive quarter-final matches, and now sits just five points above fifth place in the Premier League standings. Only the top four players qualify for the Play-Offs, and Price's position is precarious. The Markham ace will need to regain form quickly to secure his spot in the finals.

Broader Implications for Multi-Sport Athletes

Price's decision to compete in a second sport while pursuing a major darts title highlights a growing trend of crossover participation among elite athletes. The UK Open Pool Championship's open format and substantial prize fund attract competitors from diverse backgrounds, and Price's involvement could bring increased attention to the event. However, the physical and mental demands of juggling two high-level competitions raise questions about sustainability and focus.

Outlook and Stakes

As May approaches, Price faces a delicate balancing act. Success in both tournaments would cement his reputation as a versatile competitor, but failure to qualify for the darts play-offs or an early exit in pool could leave him empty-handed. The coming weeks will test his resilience and scheduling acumen, with the sporting world watching to see if 'The Iceman' can deliver under pressure.

The bottom line

• Gerwyn Price will compete in the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship from 25-30 May, potentially conflicting with the Premier League Darts Play-Offs on 28 May.
• Price is currently third in the Premier League standings, five points above fifth place, with four events remaining before the play-offs.
• The pool championship features 256 players, including 128 professionals, and offers a £167,500 prize fund.
• Price has previous pool experience from the Mosconi Cup exhibition and is enthusiastic about the challenge.
• The double-elimination format of the pool tournament may allow Price to compete in both events if he manages his schedule effectively.
• Price's recent slump in darts form adds urgency to his qualification bid for the Premier League Play-Offs.