Jonny Clayton has once again defeated Michael van Gerwen to return to winning ways in this year's Premier League Darts to end the first half.
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Clayton slipped down after topping the table at the end of the first block but ends on a high after seeing off a below-par Mighty Mike with a 100.2 average and five 180's in a 7-3 win.
Clayton surged into a 3-0 lead to begin the tie including a break which was consolidated after Van Gerwen had missed the chance to hold.
'The Ferret' replied with an 11-darter on double 16 and held his throw to send Van Gerwen potentially into a world of trouble at 4-1 down.
A potential turning point in the tie followed with Clayton missing the bull for a 170 but he wasn't allowed a go back as Van Gerwen thumped in a 129 checkout on the bull letting out a huge roar.
Clayton responded brilliantly with a 12 darter with a 104 checkout to move three clear and he assured himself of a point with a 14-darter and a 72 checkout on double 12.
He left 60 with a 105 set-up shot for both points but missed two match darts after Van Gerwen put some pressure on with a 180.
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MVG returned with a 74 checkout to claim an unlikely break, Clayton left double 20 off a 134 set up shot and Van Gerwen unable to hit 124, he got more match darts and pinned double 10 last dart in hand.
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𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 𝗠𝘃𝗚
Jonny Clayton moves into the top four after a superb 7-3 victory over five-time champion Michael van Gerwen!
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