Is Jonny Clayton right about the Grand Slam of Darts qualification format, and should Mensur Suljovic be punished for contentious Swiss Darts Trophy drama?

The latest edition of the European Tour provided headlines for the right and the wrong reasons. Jonny Clayton dazzled as he collected a fourth European Tour title, Luke Humphries backed up his World Grand Prix triumph with some outstanding performance, while a certain Mensur Suljovic was on the end of some criticism for his antics on stage.

With the European Championship and Grand Slam of Darts on the horizon for the top players, this discussion touches on Clayton’s contentious comments over the major event, while there was little sympathy sent the way of ‘The Gentle’ following a thoroughly blockbuster few days in Basel.

Lucas Michael, editor for DartsNews.com, gave an opposed view to Jonny Clayton surrounding the Grand Slam of Darts qualification method.

"While it was another European Tour event taking place, it felt like a lot of the talk was surrounding the Grand Slam of Darts. It is always hectic around these times with players desperately trying to get their name in the major event, and Jonny Clayton was one of them.

"Despite his personal opinion of the qualification method not being a positive one, his title run at the Swiss Darts Trophy has confirmed his participation in November. Personally, I completely disagree with Clayton’s view on the Grand Slam of Darts. You may be one of the top players in the world, but you need to prove that and live up to that tag on a regular basis, and that will get you rewarded. It is a unique qualification method, but I am a huge fan of it. ‘The Ferret’ has played very well in 2026, but that elusive PDC ranking title has escaped his clutches. That was until last weekend when he produced some outstanding performances to win the tournament. He is a player to keep an eye on for the rest of the year.

"So is Luke Humphries, who is well and truly back. Clayton was the champion, but the best player on the weekend was Humphries. Finally, in a year dominated by Luke Littler, we have someone who looks to be matching him in terms of displays on the oche. That World Grand Prix win was a statement, his run in Basel was proof that it was no fluke and that he has gears to his game.

"From the good to the bad. Mensur Suljovic’s semi-final run will be overlooked by many. His antics against Ross Smith were not a pleasant sight to behold. Him taking his time when throwing and playing at a lethargic pace is fine, nothing in the rule books against that. When he is clearly trying to jeer up the crowd when his opponent is aiming at a double is out of order and will not make him popular behind the scenes. He is a great player on his day, and there is no need for interfering with his opponent’s game.

"The race to Dortmund will go down to the wire for many. Cristo Reyes seemed to have cemented his spot with another brilliant few days of darts. For the likes of Martin Schindler and Stephen Bunting, they will need to put on a show in Maastricht. Especially Bunting who finds himself 32nd and only £2,000 ahead of Karel Sedlacek. ‘The Bullet’ has competed in 11 European Tour events this year, with a best result being a quarter-final in Poland. Over half of his appearances have ended in second round exits. Nowhere near good enough, and possibly the start of a painful slide for the former Masters champion."

Pieter Verbeek, editor for DartsNiews.com, touched on the 'eventful' weekend for Mensur Suljovic while touting for Gian van Veen to start challenging for more silverware.

"The Swiss Darts Trophy provided plenty of entertainment in Basel, with Jonny Clayton taking centre stage. The Welshman finally claimed his first ranking title of 2026 after months of impressive performances. Despite enjoying a strong season, a World Series title had been his only silverware until now.

"That changed in Switzerland, where 'The Ferret' produced two excellent displays to defeat Gian van Veen (7-4) and Luke Humphries (8-4). His victory also secured a much-needed place at the Grand Slam of Darts, a tournament where a player of his calibre surely belongs.

"Mensur Suljovic was another major talking point, both for his performances and his behaviour. The Austrian defeated Michael van Gerwen, Ross Smith and Dirk van Duijvenbode, but attracted controversy during his clash with Smith. Suljovic repeatedly encouraged the crowd to make noise while the Englishman was throwing. Smith subsequently missed match darts and lost, before describing his opponent as a 'absolute helmet' on social media. Suljovic responded angrily, adding another chapter to an already eventful weekend.

"From a Dutch perspective, Van Veen and Van Duijvenbode impressed by reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively. Van Veen remains particularly interesting. His performances are still inconsistent, yet his results continue to be remarkably solid. Consecutive European Tour semi-finals and a World Grand Prix quarter-final underline that point. If the European champion can rediscover his very best form, he should once again be capable of challenging regularly for titles."

Theo Stodiek, editor for DarsNews.de, admits Mensur Suljovic’s brilliant run in Basel was overshadowed with his controversial antics and comments.

"The Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel had plenty to offer from a sporting perspective. In the end, Jonny Clayton deservedly won his fourth European Tour title. In the final, he beat Luke Humphries after previously defeating Rob Cross, Karel Sedlacek and Gian van Veen. Particularly impressive was his opening match against Maik Kuivenhoven, which he finished with a 108.8 average – the best performance of his European Tour career.

"Clayton showed outstanding timing throughout the weekend. Against Humphries, he was outscored at times, but he consistently punished the Englishman’s mistakes. After the match was level at 4-4, Clayton won the final four legs in a row and hit eight of his 13 attempts at a double. Humphries had previously impressed with averages above 110 and strong doubling, but could not find a way past Clayton in the final.

"For Humphries, it was nonetheless a successful weekend in Basel, after he had won his second World Grand Prix title a week earlier. The biggest sporting surprise came from Mensur Suljovic. The Austrian reached a European Tour semi-final for the first time in five years, beating Ross Smith, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Michael van Gerwen for the fourth consecutive time. With £18,000 in prize money, he gave himself important breathing space in the race for the European Darts Championship and strengthened his position in the battle for a Tour Card.

"However, Suljovic overshadowed his own success. During his match against Smith, he encouraged the crowd while the Englishman was standing at the oche with match darts. Later, in an interview, he reportedly said that complaining was “for women”. That sexist remark is completely unacceptable, especially in front of television cameras. The PDC should respond with a meaningful punishment.

"Van Gerwen, meanwhile, remains in a difficult spell. Despite several close matches and moments of bad luck, early exits are becoming increasingly frequent. He has not played in a major quarter-final this season. It is too early to declare his comeback over, but the trend is clearly going in the wrong direction."