“I’m playing with a smile on my face at the moment” – Jonny Clayton chases second consecutive World Series title in Australia

Jonny Clayton hopes to carry his sharp New Zealand Darts Masters form straight into Australia. The Welshman starts the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong on Friday and is targeting back-to-back World Series titles.

Clayton lifted the title in Auckland last weekend. On his way to the crown he saw off Gian van Veen, James Wade, and Gerwyn Price. That final win carried extra weight as Price is his regular partner at the World Cup of Darts.

The 51-year-old therefore heads to Australia brimming with confidence. He also has fond memories of Wollongong. In 2022 he won the New South Wales Darts Masters at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend. Hopefully the sun will shine on me and I can lift another trophy,” said Clayton, who opens his campaign against New Zealander Ben Robb.

A notable streak is within reach for “The Ferret.” After his title in New Zealand, he could not only win two World Series events on the spin in Wollongong, but also make it two consecutive Australian appearances ending with the top prize. “It’s my second time here in Australia. I won in Wollongong a few years ago, so it would be back-to-back on the World Series, and back-to-back in Australia!”

Clayton stresses he is simply enjoying his game at the moment. He felt that was evident in the Auckland final against Price. “I’m playing with a smile on my face at the moment, and it was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner [Price] last weekend."

The Welshman also enjoyed the shared sporting roots of both players. Clayton and Price both have a background in rugby. “It just shows that two rugby boys can play darts, and to play against each other in the world of rugby in New Zealand, I really enjoyed that.”

Clayton gets his first chance to extend his successful run Down Under against Robb on Friday. After his triumph in Auckland and previous win in Wollongong, he travels to the oche with strong memories and plenty of belief.