30/01/2021

Clayton dumps out Van Gerwen for second successive year at The Masters

For a second year in a row, Jonny Clayton has thwarted Michael van Gerwen's start to the new season at The Masters dumping him out 10-9 in Milton Keynes.

Clayton started brilliantly but due to some brilliant finishing from Van Gerwen which came from nowhere at times, he pushed 'The Ferret' all the way but a 14-darter saw the Welshman over the line in a decider.

Next up will be James Wade for the World Cup champion as the last Quarter-Final has been confirmed at the Marshall Arena.

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Clayton made a superb start to proceedings as he pounced on an average of only 85 from Van Gerwen in the early going to head 3-0 up.

Van Gerwen got his first leg on the board but it was only a hold and Clayton from there went into the interval 4-1 up with four 180's in four legs and a 93 average from 'The Ferret'.

Clayton nearly pounced on a missed dart at double 16 from Van Gerwen but he missed the same target for a 102 checkout and the Dutchman returned to sit at 4-2 behind.

Clayton had no pressure on his throw and made no mistake at 5-2 up. Similarly though despite a poor leg from Van Gerwen, Clayton couldn't put pressure on for a potential insurmountable break.

A clutch double 20 for an 88 checkout last dart in hand saw Clayton 6-3 up. Van Gerwen was poor to begin his throw but suddenly sparked into life with a 158 checkout on double 19.

Clayton was back on track at the restart pinning double 20 to head 7-4 ahead. But another huge 150 finish out of nowhere saw Van Gerwen again hold his throw at 7-5.

Clayton missed the bull for a 121 checkout with Van Gerwen back but it wasn't the wrong decision by the Welshman as he made it 8-5.

It was a 13-dart hold for Van Gerwen with Clayton deciding to go for the hold of throw to head one away seemingly.

He popped in another 180 as he looked to go over the hill and hit double 14 to go 9-6 up. Clayton sat on 81 for the match but Van Gerwen smashed in a 72 to hold.

A big leg was coming up on Clayton's throw and Van Gerwen smashed in a 148 checkout to break finally in the tie with Clayton sitting on 68 going for the finishing line.

Clayton couldn't get treble 17 for a 161 and Van Gerwen made it 9-9 and sent it to a decider. The former smashed in two 180's to land himself on a potential nine-darter for the victory.

But he left 81 instead in which he missed the bull. Van Gerwen was on 161 but couldn't get a dart and Clayton pinned double eight for an 14-darter to win the match.