Clayton has fate in his own hands in Premier League: "All the pressure is now on Aspinall"

Although Jonny Clayton's hopes of a nightly win may have been ended by Michael Smith for the second straight week, the Ferret now has his top 4 destiny in his own hands when he faces off against Nathan Aspinall in next week's quarter-final.

"It's massive obviously yeah," Clayton told Online Darts in a post-match interview. The Welshman now heads to Aberdeen with a two point lead over the Asp and he could secure a playoff place with a win over Aspinall in next week's quarter-final.

"All the pressure is on Nathan next week," continues Clayton, well aware of the situation. "He has to win. If I win I'm through so really speaking the ball is in my court because like I say, if I win I'm through."

In his two previous Premier League campaigns Clayton has never failed to reach the play-offs. Winning on his finals night debut in 2021 and topping the league table last year. "I'm just going to try and go out, relax and play my game. Easier said than done," Clayton continues. "You win two nights you've always got a chance of top 4. That's what has helped me out and hopefully I can get there."