Price beaten in all-Welsh final in New Zealand

Gerwyn Price reached the final of the New Zealand Darts Masters over the weekend, but was beaten in the showpiece by fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton.

Price, from Markham, beat New Zealand’s Mark Cleaver 6-1 in the opening round, before a 6-2 quarter-final victory over Australia’s Damon Heta.

He then beat another Aussie, Raymond Smith, 7-2 in the semi-finals to secure an all-Welsh showdown in the final.

However, it was Clayton who clinched an 8-4 victory to secure his first-ever New Zealand Darts Masters crown in Auckland on Saturday August 15.

“I wasn’t great there. I missed a load of doubles, but take nothing away from Jonny – he played brilliantly,” conceded Price.

“For me, just to win one game this week was fantastic with everything I’ve gone through.

“To get to a final is a big tap on my back, and I’ll be even better next week in Australia.”

The 2026 World Series of Darts roadshow concludes in Wollongong next weekend, where the Australian Darts Masters is being held on August 21 and August 22.

“It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner,” reflected Clayton, from Carmarthenshire. “It just shows that two rugby boys can play darts, and to play against each other in the world of rugby here in New Zealand, I’ve got a smile on my face.

“I really enjoyed that. It’s 1-1 now, so next year – winner takes all.

“I’m looking forward to Wollongong next week. Hopefully the sun will shine on me and I can lift another trophy!”