By David Williams
Gerwyn Price advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship with a 4-2 victory over fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton in an encounter dubbed the “Druid Derby.”
Despite their close friendship off the oche, Price revealed that maintaining focus against Clayton was no easy task, admitting he almost told his compatriot to stop chatting during the match.
The 2021 world champion started in commanding fashion, racing to a two-set lead reminiscent of his explosive start against Joe Cullen in the previous round.
However, as was the case in that nail-biting sudden-death clash, Price’s performance faltered mid-match, allowing Clayton to recover and claim two sets of his own.
“I thought I blew Jonny away in the first two sets but then I couldn’t hit a barn door and was trying too hard, like the Joe Cullen game,” Price shared with Sky Sports after the match.
“It was tough because Jonny’s one of my best friends, although during the break he was saying to me, ‘Good darts,’ and I’m thinking, ‘Stop talking to me, Jonny, I need to concentrate!’”
️ “If I can play like I did in the first two sets, I’ll be tough to beat.”
Gerwyn Price reflects on his battling 4-2 win over his fellow countryman Jonny Clayton, as he becomes the first player to book a place in the quarter-finals!#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/aeDkrAiU7N
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2024
Despite a wobble that saw his average dip from 111 to the mid-80s, Price’s ability to secure six crucial legs against the throw ultimately proved decisive.
Critical breaks in the fifth and sixth sets allowed him to regain control and seal his place in the last eight.
“I didn’t play my best but I scrambled to a win,” Price reflected. “Promise you, I will get better!”
Clayton, ranked three places higher than Price at No. 7, showed resilience throughout the match but couldn’t sustain his momentum.
Price’s doubles accuracy of 36% and a match average of 92.28 weren’t spectacular, but they were enough to secure the victory.
Gerwyn Price is our first Quarter-Finalist as he beats Jonny Clayton 4-2 in the all-Welsh tie!#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/vd67vlAAhC
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2024
The win marks Price’s fifth trip to the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace, where he continues his quest for a second Sid Waddell Trophy.
His next opponent will be either Kevin Doets or Chris Dobey, with the match scheduled for New Year’s Day.
As Price looks ahead, speculation builds about a potential showdown with Michael van Gerwen later in the tournament.
For now, though, the Welshman remains focused on improving his game and keeping his title hopes alive.
“I’ve not played my best, but I’m here to win and I’m in the quarter-finals,” Price declared.
