“I get more support from you than I do when I’m in Wales" – Fan favourite Jonny Clayton lavishly praises the Belgian fans after hard fought win

Jonny Clayton has booked his place in the last sixteen of the Belgian Darts Open, but it was anything but straightforward. In a match where fine margins and choices proved decisive, the Welshman had to dig deep to stay afloat. Afterward, relief prevailed — and above all, gratitude toward the Belgian crowd.

Clayton was too strong for Sebastian Bialecki in the second round of the Belgian Darts Open, winning 6-3. One of the defining moments came on a 61 checkout. The world number five faced a choice: aim for the usual route via treble 15, or look for an alternative. “I wasn’t sure if it was in the treble or second dart down in treble 20,” he explained. “So I went for 19s.”

That doubt lingered in his mind for a moment. “That played on my mind a bit,” he admitted. It’s typical at the top level of darts: even small decisions can have a mental impact on how a match unfolds.

Clayton faced a relatively unfamiliar opponent, but was full of praise afterward. “To be fair to Sebastian, he’s a great player,” he said. “He takes it all in his stride and that’s what you need in a player."

The fact that he had never met his opponent before made it extra tricky, according to Clayton. “You don’t know exactly what to expect. It’s different than when you know someone well.”

As so often in Wieze, the crowd played a major role for Clayton as well. The Welshman can count on strikingly strong support in Belgium — something he acknowledged with a wink. “I love this lot,” he said, clearly enjoying himself. “Look at them, absolutely brilliant.”

With a smile he added: “I get more support from you than I do when I’m in Wales.” That bond with the Belgian fans has grown over the years and seems to visibly energise Clayton on stage. “Thank you so much, keep it up, lads,” he called out to the fans.

A stern test awaits in the next round in the form of Ross Smith. A player known for his consistency and scoring power. Compared to Bialecki, Clayton and Smith have faced off on a number of occasions. Even so, Clayton knows exactly what awaits him. “It’s the first time I’ve played against him [Bialecki], to be honest. I know what Ross is all about,” he said, comparing the two players. “So you prepare yourself differently.”

He stressed that experience against a specific opponent can make a key difference. “No disrespect to any player, but when you’ve played against someone before, you know what he’s about.”

The clash with Bialecki was very much a leap into the unknown. “Today was new to me,” Clayton said. “He’s a great lad, a great player.”

He expects a different approach against the former European champion. Still, he remains realistic about the challenge ahead. “I’ve got a tough one tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to it.”