Jonny Clayton is into the semi-finals of the World Matchplay for the first time after ending the run of Ryan Searle in Blackpool 16-12.
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Clayton who is one of the favourites to lift the title sealed it with a 97.5 average, seven 180's and six ton-plus checkouts in a typically clinical display from 'The Ferret'.
Searle led 2-1 early on and went into the first interval 3-2 up aside from a 118 checkout from Clayton.
'Heavy Metal' returned with a huge checkout of his own at 5-5 with a 121 on the bull and he regained the upper hand at 7-6.
But Clayton soon caught light either side of the interval hitting a 115 checkout and then 124 checkout to make it 8-8.
A missed dart at double 20 saw Clayton go two legs in front for the first time and he continued that buffer at 11-9.
He won five out of the last six legs with a 100 checkout to make it 12-9 and it was another ton plus with a 122 on the bull for 13-9.
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Searle closed the gap to 14-11 to stay on his coattails but Clayton was throwing to go one away. He did just that with Searle unable to mount a challenge on his throw.
Searle hit a 92 checkout to make it 15-12 but Clayton was throwing for the win. Searle missed 170 for a gamesaver and Clayton took out 66 for the win.
The tournament will be broadcast in full on Sky Sports going between Action and Main Event.
From Saturday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 20, broadcasts will begin around 7 p.m. ET. In addition, on Sunday, July 16, there will be an afternoon session starting at 1 p.m. After the second round, the starting time of the evening sessions moves up one hour.
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On Sunday afternoon, July 24, the second edition of the Women's World Matchplay is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm. Here, eight ladies will compete for the title at the most important women's tournament in the PDC.
How much prize money can be earned at the World Matchplay
After the World Darts Championship, the World Matchplay is the ranking tournament with the largest prize pool at the PDC. A total of 800,000 pounds of prize money is up for grabs at this event.
All 32 participants are guaranteed £10,000 in prize money. This could eventually add up to a check of as much as £200,000 for the darter who gets to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday, July 23.
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𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗘 🏴
Jonny Clayton storms into the Semi-Finals at the Winter Gardens for the first time after a 16-12 success over Ryan Searle with a 97.5 average, seven 180s and six ton-plus checkouts!
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