Jonny Clayton secures Premier League victory in Glasgow
Jonny Clayton claimed his first win of the Premier League season by defeating Gian van Veen 6-3 in the final, following a memorable evening in Glasgow, where he also bested world No 1 Luke Littler 6-1, reports BritPanorama.
The 51-year-old Welshman showcased exceptional skill throughout the night, highlighted by a remarkable 156 checkout, propelling him to the top of the standings with nine points. His victory over Littler marked a significant achievement, as Clayton’s earlier struggles against Gerwyn Price had seen him go ten matches without a win.
After overcoming Van Veen, Clayton expressed immense satisfaction with his performance. He acknowledged the psychological pressure associated with his previous losses to Price, stating, “Yeah, it’s a great honour to win one of these nights against these players.”
Clayton described the relief of finally securing a victory over Price, particularly after a series of near misses in past encounters. “The first job was trying to get Gerwyn out… That was a big relief really because I’ve had a few chances against him before, but not taken them,” he reflected.
The night’s proceedings provided a chance for Clayton to showcase his abilities fully, capitalising on Littler’s less-than-optimal performance. “I didn’t expect to beat the best darts player on the planet 6-1… It’s my night, and that’s all that counts,” he remarked, emphasising a reinvigorated confidence following moments of self-doubt.
With this victory, Clayton moves one point clear of Michael van Gerwen, who withdrew from the event due to illness, and he now holds a three-point lead over Van Veen. Price currently sits in fourth place, followed by Littler, Luke Humphries, Stephen Bunting, and Josh Rock.
In the world of darts, where fortunes can shift dramatically, Clayton’s performance serves as a reminder of how quickly the tides can turn, blending resilience with vibrant competition. It’s an intriguing time in the Premier League, where each match adds a rich layer to the narrative of this intense sport.
