Clayton battles back to see off Ratajski and claim World Grand Prix semi-final spot
PDCThursday, 07 October 2021 at 22:20
Jonny Clayton is through to the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix after seeing off Krzysztof Ratajski 3-2 with a tie with Danny Noppert awaiting.
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Clayton came from 2-1 down to produce a brilliant spell once more with 66% on his finishing doubles as his quest for a first ranking major continues.
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An 60 checkout saw Clayton break with a 14-darter to kick off and a 180 pressured Ratajski's 67 checkout but 'The Polish Eagle' remained calm under pressure to break straight back.
Ratajski missed a seven checkout and this allowed Clayton another break at 2-1 up before sealing the opening set 3-1 on double eight.
Clayton surged in the second set with a brilliant 150 checkout to make it 1-1. A 113 checkout sent Ratajski though one away from levelling the sets up. But with Ratajski left on 77, Clayton hit 70 to force a decider.
A brilliant 135 set up and a 140 put him in a handy position. But he bust 134 and while Ratajski was looking at double 10, Clayton couldn't make in roads onto the 134 on return and Ratajski took it.
It was a great start to the third set for Ratajski who pinned 70 to open up. But Clayton levelled it up. The holds continued as Ratajski went 2-1 up and on the verge of the same sets lead.
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Clayton managed to take it to a decider though finding double 20. Both left themselves on 170 with Ratajski missing bull but he returned for 25 to go 2-1 up.
But a clean sweep in the fourth set allowed Clayton to level up. A 177 to begin the requisite set saw him in control on Ratajski's throw with a 47 checkout seeing him lead in the first of three.
Ratajski started to fold in terms of getting in and Clayton had six darts at 201. But the former left 68 and went for it after Clayton couldn't pin 102 and levelled it up at 1-1 when he'd have the throw.
Clayton miscounted on 110 and Ratajski missed 92 which allowed the former to throw for the match. Ratajski gave himself little hope failing to get in till the seventh dart. A 174 set up left double eight which he pinned to seal it.
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