"I’ve got the hunger back" - Jonny Clayton reverses retirement threat and eyes up Premier League return

Jonny Clayton delivered a commanding performance to overwhelm Stephen Bunting 16-7 at the World Matchplay, booking his place in the semi-finals and edging ever closer to what could be a historic Welsh breakthrough in the tournament. Afterwards, Clayton cut a positive figure when speaking to Dartsnews.com.

Clayton, the Welsh number one, set the tone early with an 11-dart leg and a sensational 160 checkout that propelled him into a stunning 5-0 lead during the opening session, averaging 110. Despite Bunting’s attempts to claw back into the contest, the Welshman’s clinical finishing and calm temperament saw him retain firm control, producing a second 11-darter and a series of impressive checkouts—including back-to-back 76 finishes, followed by 108 and 118—to seal a dominant 16-7 victory.

Reflecting on his blistering start, Clayton admitted, “I did not expect to be 5-0 up in the first break, but I take that every day. Total respect to Steve, he didn’t play his A-game, nowhere near his A-game. But that isn't my problem. My thing is to win a match, and I did. So, a smile on my face.”

That smile was a marked contrast to the downbeat mood Clayton revealed following his previous match, where despite a solid 93.5 average, he felt he had underperformed. “I was a bit hard on myself,” he confessed. “I didn’t look at the averages or the stats before this interview. I’m trying hard. I want to be here until the end.”

Clayton credited the electric atmosphere for lifting his spirits and focus. “Tonight was a different atmosphere. I thanked the English crowd for supporting me. It’s a banter between the Welsh and the English. To be fair, it was an amazing atmosphere. The game was played in total respect. It was my night.”

The Welshman, known for embracing the underdog role, also expressed his contentment with flying somewhat under the radar in the top half of the draw. “I love it here. All jokes aside, I’m here to try and win the tournament. I’m a step away from a final. I’m two more wins away from a big trophy. I’m going to keep trying hard. Hopefully, I can beat James [Wade], but if not, we’ll try again.”

Clayton was quick to acknowledge the challenge that lies ahead in James Wade, who has been in superb form, using his experience to outwit younger opponents. “I’m going to try not to let him dominate the pace and the situation,” Clayton said. “Like I said, I’m going to concentrate on my game. Who cares about anybody else? If I can play my best darts, they’re going to have to beat me.”

When asked about Wade’s belief that he is among the greatest players to have played darts, Clayton was unequivocal. “100 percent. Look at his records. Look what that guy has produced, probably the third-best darts player on earth. You can’t take that away from him. He’s done everything except win the World Championship. He’s playing really well. He’s got all the experience. I’ve got some, but nothing compared to James Wade.”

As the tournament’s history reveals no Welsh winner yet, Clayton acknowledged the significance of his run. “That’d be great, wouldn’t it? It’s a big tournament. I need a few more trophies. The more, the merrier. It’d be amazing if it was my name as a Welshman on that trophy.”

When asked about Wade’s resurgence, Clayton paid tribute to their friendship and practice routines. “James is playing fantastic. We practise a lot together. He’s hungry again. James Wade being hungry is a different kettle of fish, he’s fantastic.”

On the topic of self-criticism, Clayton revealed a crucial part of his mindset. “I’m trying my hardest to produce top darts. If I didn’t punish myself, I wouldn’t improve. Keyboard warriors will always run you down, but I know when I’m not playing well. Against Mike the other night, I didn’t play well, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I have to give myself a little bit of credit, but generally, I’ve got another step.”

Looking back on concerns he had in December about his future in darts, Clayton now feels revitalized. “I’ve changed my mind! I’ve got the hunger back. I don’t know what it is. I felt a bit down in darts, but I want to be one of the best. It hurts that I’ve dropped from world number five to nine with the rankings, but I’m climbing back up slowly. I want to be with the elite. When you’re there, people respect you more.”

Clayton’s determination is clear: “If you’re not playing well, no matter your ranking, people pick up on it. But if you’re playing well, it’s a step in the right direction. I had to do a job against Stephen, and I did.”

Finally, with the semi-final looming and fellow Welshman Gerwyn “Gezzy” Price flying high on the other side of the draw, Clayton is dreaming big. “That would be good, wouldn’t it? Two Welshmen in the final. We wouldn’t have the Wales-England banter there, but that’s just a bit of fun. If I get to the final and Gezzy gets to the final, we’ve both done something right. So, I hope we’re right.”