Jonny Clayton is the Premier League, Masters and now the
World Grand Prix champion after producing an incredible display to down
Gerwyn Price in the final in Leicester 5-1.
Clayton before tonight despite being a multiple major champion had never claimed one which added to his ranking but now he will go up to World Number Seven tomorrow as a result.
Consistent all week, he produced again with a 94 average, four 180's, four ton plus checkouts including a 170 and 43% on his doubles.
To begin the tie, Price produced a brilliant start pinning double 20 to lead. A 112 checkout couldn't be pinned though and Clayton hit back to make it 1-1.
With Price not even off, Clayton held the impetus with a 180 and left 70 to continue his great start as he looked for a first hold.
Clayton couldn't get his second bull for 132 but left himself handy on double 10 with Price unable to claim 93.
A 158 start and 140 following it up saw Clayton towards the finish which was finally sealed on double one. He continued to dominate with a hold of throw on double 10 and he made it five consecutive legs to go one away from a 2-0 sets lead.
Price looked to hit back having a 170 setup for 31 which he pinned on double 12 to stop the rot. He continued to hit back with a 52 checkout to make it 2-2 and he suddenly had the throw for 1-1.
He hit a 180 but it was Clayton first to a finish as he went for 132 but Price returned for 96 only to drift into treble one. This allowed Clayton to pin double 14 and head into a 2-0 lead.
Price claimed the opening leg in the third set as he looked to return to the foray but Clayton produced a magical spell in the form of a 170 and 164. He replied to take the third set the distance.
But a 13-darter took it the distance. Clayton went 2-0 up though and looked to go towards the finishing line further but again Price came back as he looked to add a set to the board and with a 14-darter on double 10 he sent it to another decider.
He finally claimed it with a 44 checkout to make it 3-1 and keep it interesting. But Clayton brought his winning line back on track taking out 110 to claim the fifth set 3-1 and go on the verge of the title.
Clayton broke on double eight but he failed to get in and Price royally punished him with a 160 start.
Price missed 148 to break back and Clayton smashed in an incredible 152 checkout to go one away.
'The Iceman' kept his hopes alive with a 102 but Clayton was throwing for the win. He did it in style with a 116 checkout.
