"I need to prove what I am worth' - Jonny Clayton pleased with return to World Series circuit

Jonny Clayton is eager to prove he belongs on the World Series international stage. The current world number five returned to the tour last weekend at the Nordic Darts Masters after a two-year absence.

Clayton started his tournament by beating Darius Labanauskas 6-5 in an exciting match, surviving two match darts. In the quarterfinals, he had to face later tournament winner Stephen Bunting, who beat him 6-3.

The four-time major-winner reflected on his return to the World Series circuit. "Yeah it’s brilliant and nice to be back apart of world darts.  

“I felt as if I had to prove to everyone again that I can play darts and this year seems to be going okay.  

“You’re sat at home one minute watching other dart players playing the game that you love. All of a sudden you get a phone call to say you are back in so I need to prove what I am worth.” 

Clayton is in excellent form this season and ranks second when it comes to highest checkout percentages, with an impressive 44.05%.

Last month, the 50-year-old Welshman added a third European Tour title to his record by winning the Dutch Darts Championship. This success followed his victory in the Players Championship 14 in Rosmalen in April.