Darts star Gerwyn Price has revealed he will be switching sports later this month to take part in the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship.
The Welshman, who currently sits seventh in the PDC’s order of merit, has been awarded a wildcard entry to compete at the tournament, which is being staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26-31. The event will see more than 250 competitors from more than 50 countries battle it out for a substantial prize fund of £167,500, and Price has opted to accept the invitation.
A passionate pool player, ‘The Iceman’ appeared at last year’s Mosconi Cup, taking part in an exhibition pro-am pool event at Alexandra Palace.
Price faces a scheduling conflict, however, as he is simultaneously attempting to qualify for the Premier League Darts play-offs, which are set to take place at The O2 in London on May 28.
Nevertheless, he is confident he can juggle both sports, insisting he is “in it to win it” at the UK Open while maintaining his full commitment to darts.
“I went and watched the Mosconi Cup and have taken some interest in nine-ball pool, and got an invite to the UK Open,” Price told Sky Sports at Thursday’s Premier League Darts in Aberdeen.
“So, I’ll take it with both hands and give it a crack.
“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.”
“I’m in it to win it,” he added. “I wouldn’t turn up if I didn’t think I could win. I’m half decent! They’re good players but I’m there to win.”
When quizzed on whether he could maintain his focus on the darts, former Neath rugby player Price said: “100 per cent. That’s my bread and butter.
“I’m there to win the Premier League, hopefully if I get there, but I’ll be one eye on the pool as well.”
An official statement from the PDC confirmed that Price was free to compete at the UK Open.
“Gerwyn does not require any special dispensation to participate,” the statement read. “PDC players are free to take part in non-darts events outside of their playing commitments.
“We are not sure if Gerwyn would play if he were to qualify for Premier League Play-Offs night, but we believe he would choose the darts in the event of a clash!”