31/01/2021

Clayton produces mesmeric display of finishing to defeat Wade in deciding leg thriller

Jonny Clayton is the final player through to the semi-finals of The Masters where he will play Peter Wright later on in Milton Keynes after a mesmeric display of finishing to down James Wade.

Clayton came from 7-3 and 9-6 down to defeat Wade 10-9 winning it in style with a 126 checkout on the bull holding an astonishing 10/11 on the doubles as he breaks the curse of Michael van Gerwen in the process.

As well as potentially gatecrashing the tenth Premier League spot conversation by taking out Wade who was seemingly in the running.

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Wade took out 99 for the opening leg to begin with an opening break against Clayton but this didn't last long as 'The Ferret' returned with a brilliant response in the form of a 160 checkout for 1-1.

Wade returned though with a ton plus foray of his own in the form of a 121 checkout to make it 2-1 before putting some breathing space between the duo at 4-1 up with the same blockbuster checkout.

Clayton showed tenacity though and hit back-to-back 11 darters to close the gap to 4-3 averaging 109.

Despite the massive average from Clayton, it was Wade's exquisite finishing that was giving him the edge as he went 5-3 up with 5/7 on the doubles alongside a 105.7 average of his own.

This control was extended as he went 7-3 up to make it three consecutive legs. The tie though took another turn as Clayton took out 100 on two double 20's which proved to be a catalyst for a revival.

He broke with a 68 checkout to make it 7-5 and was only one behind at 7-6 from there. But again when Clayton found his way back in, Wade was there to test his resolve.

Wade went one away suddenly at 9-6 after stopping the rot with 53% on the doubles. Again though, Clayton stayed alive with a 121 checkout on the bull followed by a 62 checkout to make it 9-8.

Wade had the darts to prevent Clayton taking it to a decider. But Clayton was down to 98 after a 180 and was given a shot when Wade couldn't take out 161.

'The Ferret' pinned it with an 11-darter to send it all the way where he would have the darts. He completed it in style with a 126 checkout on the bull with Wade sat on 121 for the win.