"I didn't want to be here if I'm being honest... too many bad memories" - Jonny Clayton impresses in World Matchplay opener despite mental anguish

Jonny Clayton got off to an excellent start at the 2024 World Matchplay in Blackpool on Saturday night. 'The Ferret' defeated Raymond van Barneveld 10-7 in the first round and can now prepare for a match with the winner of the duel between Dimitri Van den Bergh and Martin Schindler.

Clayton, who was a losing finalist at last year's World Matchplay, achieved a high level in his match against Van Barneveld, clocking in at an average of 100.77 and survived a late rally from the lgendary Dutchman. "I love this stage, I felt good up there. I got over the line and I'm happy with that," reflected the 49-year-old Welshman post-match. "I'm proud of the way I played!"

Clayton recently won another Players Championship. "Winning a Players Championship event last week was big for my confidence," says 'The Ferret', who last year had more to deal with than just a lack of confidence, despite as mentioned, going all the way to the final before coming up short against Nathan Aspinall. "Coming back here is difficult because of last year's bad memories when my dad was seriously ill before he died, but I'll keep soldiering on... I didn't want to be here if I'm being honest. I could have easily pulled out, too many bad memories."

Former winner Clayton was absent from this year's Premier League Darts lineup for the first time in four years. "I wasn't involved because I wasn't good enough and I want to prove people wrong," says a fired up Clayton. "I am good enough and you know, I want that back."

"Once you've belonged to the top, you want to stay there," Clayton continued. "I want to be among the darts elite and feel I'm on the right track again. It's just a matter of time before I start winning big tournaments again."