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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Read also
Schedule 2021 Masters
Sunday January 31 (12:45 GMT)
Quarter-Finals
Mervyn King (101.76) 10-3 (95.83) Nathan Aspinall
Gerwyn Price (105.6) 10-6 (92.3) Adrian Lewis
Peter Wright (105.16) 10-5 (97.51) Dave Chisnall
Jonny Clayton (105.41) 10-9 (104.02) James Wade
ADVERTISEMENT
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 4visitors 2
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
