Clayton coasts past below-par Van Gerwen in superb Premier League display

Friday, 23 April 2021 at 07:15

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.

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.

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'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.

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! 📺 𝗨𝗽 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 👉 Nathan Aspinall v Gary Anderson