Gerwyn Price could skip Premier League Darts play-offs despite top-four push after entering UK Open Pool Championship

Gerwyn Price has opened the door to a potential scheduling clash that could see him miss the Premier League Darts play-offs at the O2, despite currently sitting in a strong position to qualify.

The Welshman, third in the table after 13 nights of action, has confirmed he will compete in the UK Open Pool Championship later this month. The event runs from May 25 to 30 and overlaps with the Premier League play-offs on May 28 at the The O2 Arena.

Speaking to Sky Sports during Night 13 in Aberdeen, Price made it clear he intends to take the opportunity seriously after developing an interest in the sport. “I went and watched the Mosconi Cup and I’ve taken some interest in the nine-ball pool and got an invite to the UK Open. So yeah, I’ll take it with both hands and give it a good crack.”

While the crossover appearance may raise eyebrows, Price insists he is not travelling simply to make up the numbers. “I’m there to win. I won’t turn up if I don’t think I can win. I’m half decent, but they’re good players, but I’m there to win.”

The structure of the UK Open Pool Championship adds another layer of complexity for the Welsh former world champion.

Price revealed he is exploring ways to balance both commitments, with the pool event’s double elimination format potentially allowing some flexibility early in the week. “Well, hopefully I’ll make the playoffs, first of all. But I think if I do, with the pool, I could possibly play on the Tuesday. It’s double elimination, so I’ll still be in for a couple of days.”

That leaves a narrow and uncertain window around finals night in London, with Price acknowledging the possibility of overlap between the two events.

Despite the potential clash, Price was clear where his main focus lies. “100%. Yeah, that’s my bread and butter. I’m there to win the Premier League, hopefully if I get there. But yeah, I’ll have one eye on the pool as well.”

However, with the UK Open running across the same week as the Premier League play-offs, the situation raises a genuine question for darts fans. If Price progresses deep into the pool event while also securing a top four finish in the Premier League, he could face a scenario where competing in both becomes increasingly difficult, potentially putting his appearance at the O2 at risk.

That possibility is far from hypothetical given Price’s current standing. After 13 weeks of the 2026 campaign, he sits third in the table and remains firmly on course for a return to finals night. With the race for the top four tightening behind him, every point continues to carry weight in the closing weeks.

His steady accumulation of results has kept him well placed, even if he has not dominated weekly nights in the same fashion as the league leaders.

A career switch was also put to Price, a question that carries a bit more weight given his past move from professional rugby into darts. “No, definitely not. Maybe a farmer, but not a pool player.”

For a player firmly in the mix for Premier League success, entering an event that directly overlaps with finals night introduces an unusual and potentially decisive complication.

With both competitions approaching, the coming weeks may determine not just whether Price reaches the O2, but whether he is able to take his place there if he does.