Clayton gives explanation on increase in form: "I think it is just confidence"

The World Matchplay will start next Saturday in Blackpool with Jonny Clayton one of the top favourites for the title.

Clayton has already won two majors this season with the Masters and the Premier League and he discussed what has changed.

"I think it is just confidence. I don't think I have changed anything. I just go out and I enjoy it. Darts is a game where if everything goes your way, you are going to enjoy it and at the moment, things are going my way," Clayton told the Darts Show podcast.

Return to work

He went back to work as a plasterer after his Premier League triumph and discussed the constant questions about giving up his job.

"It's been a bit different, but back in work, back in the tools today."

"The first question was: 'Am I still saying, or am I going to leave?'

"I have always played my darts while working so I don't see why it would help if I finished? I am going to leave it as it is at the moment, and I will just keep working."

Praise from Webster

He also received praise from his compatriot Mark Webster.

"I said to him at the start of the Premier League: 'Jonny, you're on a purple patch here. The Premier League is done and dusted in six weeks. Keep it going and you could lift that trophy.'

"I thought nothing of it at the time, but credit to him; he wins the Premier League and is earning himself a healthy living as well.

"If you are going to win your first Premier League, that is the way to do it. He was nice and comfortable and never looked in any danger of losing that final.

"Even in the semi-finals, Michael [Van Gerwen] rattled off three legs on the trot against him, but Jonny was in control of the Finals Night and was a deserved Premier League champion."