The World Cup of Darts gets underway this Thursday at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, with 40 countries competing over four days. Wales, perennial contenders, will be represented by Jonny Clayton and Nick Kenny — but notably without Gerwyn Price, who has withdrawn for the second time in three years.
Price's absence is a major blow to Welsh hopes. The duo of Clayton and Price have won two World Cup titles together and reached the final four times. Last year, Wales lost 10-9 in a thrilling final against Northern Ireland. Price explained his decision: "There needs to be a slot where I can take a little bit of time off and give some time back to the family because the schedule's hectic at the minute. It's just about taking a break and spending some time with the family."
Clayton, now team captain, has been in fine form in 2026. He reached the final of the Belgian Darts Open (losing to Luke Humphries) and two ProTour finals in the last four events. He also dominated the Premier League league phase, winning four nights, before missing a match dart in the semi-finals and being edged out by Humphries. Clayton has played in nine World Cups and won the title twice with Price.
Kenny, world number 61, makes his World Cup debut. He became Welsh number three after Jim Williams lost his tour card. His most notable big-stage showing was reaching the third round of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, but his recent floor form has been modest — only reaching the third round twice, in PC1 and PC2. Clayton has backed his partner: "Not at all. We're there to win a tournament. Whoever you play with, you're there to win a tournament and that's what we're going to try and do."
Without Price, Wales are seeded seventh (combined ranking of 66) and must start in the group stage — a rarity for them. They are in Group C, beginning Thursday against Lithuania (Darius Labanauskas and Mindaugas Barauskas), then facing Thailand (Sarayut Ouamuapa and Sorawis Rodman) on Friday. The best-of-seven format leaves little margin for error. Wales have reached the semi-finals in five of the last six events and the final six times overall, but this year's path is significantly tougher without their talisman.
