Analysis | Wales at the World Cup of Darts: Back together and back in form can Jonny Clayton & Gerwyn Price claim a third world title?

In 2015, Jamie Lewis stepped in to partner Webster, but the new duo suffered a first-round upset against Hong Kong. That appearance proved to be a one-off for Lewis.

The arrival of Gerwyn Price in 2016 signalled a new era. Although he and Webster lost to Canada in the second round that year, they returned stronger in 2017, reaching the final after a semi-final win over Belgium. But again, the Dutch team — this time Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld — proved too strong.

The Price–Clayton Partnership

In 2018, Jonny Clayton replaced Webster, forming what would become one of the most formidable duos in World Cup history. Although the results were mixed in their early years — including a disappointing first-round exit in 2019 — everything clicked in 2020. That year, Wales claimed their first World Cup title, sweeping England 3-0 in the final.

Wales reached the semi-finals in 2021 and made it back to the final in 2022, only to be denied by Australia’s Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock. Redemption came in 2023, with Price and Clayton beating Denmark, Sweden, and Belgium before demolishing Scotland 10-2 in the final.

Last year, however, Price opted to sit out, with Jim Williams stepping in. The substitute pairing failed to replicate previous success and crashed out in the second round to Croatia — a shock early exit.

Back Together — And in Form

This year sees the reunion of Price and Clayton, and both arrive in superb form.

Clayton has had an outstanding campaign so far, reaching the final of the Winmau World Masters, the semi-finals of the UK Open, and winning both a Players Championship and the Dutch Darts Championship. As a result, he’s climbed to No.5 in the world rankings.

Price, meanwhile, has bounced back after a frustrating 2024. The 40-year-old reached the Premier League play-offs, won three Players Championship titles, and, crucially, looks to have rediscovered both his confidence and his hunger. “The Iceman” is smiling again — and that usually spells danger for the rest of the field.

If Wales are to add a third star to their World Cup legacy, they may need to overcome the tournament favourites: England’s Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. Both English stars are full of belief, riding high after claiming major titles already this season.