Jonny Clayton has claimed a maiden individual TV title to add to his World Cup triumph for Wales last year with an 11-8 victory over Mervyn King in the final of the 2021
Masters.
Clayton hit a 104 average in a superb display to once again deny King another opportunity at a TV title and in doing so has also claimed a debut spot in the 2021 Premier League as the final 10th player which was only revealed in the post match title ceremony.
It was scrappy between the pair to begin with both players holding throw including a 96 checkout from King to make it 2-2.
But he struck the first blow in the form of a 128 checkout on the bull to make it 3-2 to go ahead at the first interval. A last dart double eight saw King make it 4-2 and cement that break.
He followed that up with a clutch 177 and 110 checkout from nowhere to hold and lead 5-3 but he had an off leg next time around on throw and went into the last break at 5-5 with Clayton smashing in a 136 checkout for a 12-darter.
An 84 checkout on the bull saw Clayton hold and regain the lead. King was broken again though by Clayton who left 24 from a 177.
He held throw from there with a 64 checkout to head 8-5 up and ask the question of King who seemed to be fading fast.
King made a hash of it again on his throw going into single seven when attempting to hit 80 and Clayton was back for a 70 checkout to go 9-5 ahead and towards the verge.
King stopped the rot with a break back with an 80 checkout to make it 9-6. It was the same target and the gap narrowed to 9-7.
But Clayton attempted to diminish any hopes of another break back and go one away by starting with a 180. It worked as he pinned 81 to claim an 11-dart hold to make it 10-7.
A 70 checkout kept King in proceedings. He kicked off on Clayton's throw 180 but the Welshman did the same to attempt to finish it there and then and left 16 with a 165 set up shot. He pinned it from there to finish it there and then and claim the title.
Schedule 2021 Masters
Sunday January 31 (19:00 GMT)
Semi-Finals
Gerwyn Price (99.46) 10-11 (97.18) Mervyn King
Peter Wright (99.95) 10-11 (104.09) Jonny Clayton
Final
Mervyn King (99.95) 8-11 (104.09) Jonny Clayton
