"I’m chasing that £1million for the World Championship" - Jonny Clayton sends out warning after capturing first PDC ranking title of 2025

Jonny Clayton has captured his first ranking title of the 2025 season. The 50-year-old Welshman triumphed at the 14th Players Championship event of the year, delivering a commanding 8–2 win over Germany’s Dominik Gruellich in the final.

Clayton impressed throughout the day, rounding off a superb run with a dominant display in the tournament’s closing stages. He posted a 100+ average in each of his final three matches, underlining his excellent form. Nicknamed “The Ferret,” Clayton had already made waves earlier this year with a runner-up finish at the inaugural PDC Winmau World Masters and a semi-final appearance at the UK Open - clear signs that he's rediscovered top gear.

“If I can find this form more consistently then I’m dangerous," reflected the Welshman in his post-match interview with the PDC afterwards.  “Things went good for me today. Hopefully it carries on going for the rest of the year. I’m chasing that £1million for the World Championship."

More than just the PDC World Darts Championship at the Alexandra Palace this December though, Clayton has eyes on regaining the World Cup of Darts for Wales alongside his long-time pairs partner and good friend Gerwyn Price, after the latter was forced to withdraw from the event at the last minute in 2024 and although replacement Jim Williams has proven himself a more than capable player in his own right, things didn't exactly click the same way for the Welsh last year.

“Hopefully me and Gezzy play together at the World Cup this year for Wales. I would love to lift that trophy for a third time," assesses Clayton with a glint of determination in his eyes. “But genuinely I take each tournament as it comes one at a time.” 

The Players Championship circuit now takes a brief pause, with the tour resuming on Monday, May 12th, in Hildesheim, Germany, for the 15th event of the season.