PRICE WOULD SURPRISE CRITICS WITH POOL SUCCESS AMID SCHEDULE FEARS
06/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL BRIDGE admits he would be “surprised” if Gerwyn Price goes deep at the UK Open Pool Championship amid fears of a potential schedule clash.
The Iceman has accepted a wildcard for the professional nine-ball event at the Brentwood Centre from May 26-31.
But the tournament clashes with Premier League Finals Night on May 28, and Price is currently third in the table on 21 points, five clear of the chasing pack.
Sky Sports pundit Bridge believes the Welshman faces a formidable challenge, with some of the world’s top pool players set to compete.
He told the Love the Darts Podcast: “Well, firstly, he’s very, very good. He’s very good at pool, and he has been for quite some time.
“There’s a potential clash there. What I will say is, I don’t expect him to advance too far in the UK Open Pool Championship.
“Fair play, this is not an invitation. This is a professional event.
“So, I would be surprised, with the greatest respect to Gezzy, if he goes very far because the UK Open Pool Championship features the top players from all over the world.
“It’s one of the majors in nine-ball pool. If he does win his games, then wow. I mean, he was very laid back about it when he was speaking to Polly [James] about it the other day.
“But classic Gezzy, good luck to him and look, it’s good publicity. These players can do what they want.
“It’s up to them. Is it a big deal? I don’t see it as a big deal. I mean, if it’s a clash, then wow, what a story we have.”
The world No.7 has won Night Two and Night Nine of the competition and returns to action this Thursday in Leeds, where he faces Jonny Clayton.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
