The 2026 Premier League Darts season started with a bang last night at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, but it was a night of mixed fortunes for Welsh stars Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton.

Price, known for his heavy scoring and intense on-stage persona, came into the campaign looking to assert himself early.

He faced reigning champion Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals but suffered a narrow 6-5 defeat in a tightly contested match. Price showcased his trademark resilience and heavy scoring power, pushing Humphries all the way to a deciding leg but ultimately fell just short.

Although he didn’t progress to the semi-finals, his performance under pressure and ability to stick in the contest until the final throws hinted at promising form for the long 16-week season ahead.

Jonny Clayton, the 2021 Premier League champion, enjoyed a much brighter evening. He made a statement in his quarter-final clash against Josh Rock, delivering a strong 6-2 victory that underlined his consistency and scoring rhythm on the big stage.

Clayton was authoritative, dominating the board and doubling efficiently to seal a convincing win.

However, Clayton’s night ended in the semi-finals when he was edged out 6-4 by debutant Gian van Veen, who went on to reach the final before losing to Michael van Gerwen.

Price showed grit but came up short, while Clayton impressed with a confident win before his run was halted in the semis – both setting up intriguing storylines as the Premier League Darts season unfolds.

In an all-Dutch final, the master beat the apprentice, with van Gerwen beating van Veen 6-4.

“It’s definitely a good start – without even playing my A performance, I still won,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think I was deadly. I had some fantastic finishing in the right moments. Whenever I had to perform on my own leg, I did it. That makes you win games.”

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