"I've got to prove that I'm good enough" - Jonny Clayton looking to send a message after missing out on Premier League Darts 2025

Jonny Clayton has survived a thriller in the second round of the 2025 PDC Winmau World Masters. 'The Ferret' defeated Ryan Searle 4-3 and can now prepare for a clash with Luke Littler in the quarterfinals.

The 50-year-old Welshman had his back firmly up against the wall when he found himself trailing 3-1 in sets. Clayton refused to accept defeat though, roaring back into the contest and despite surviving a missed matchdart from Searle, taking the victory 4-3. "It feels brilliant," Clayton opened in his post-match interview with the darting media. "Totally different game than last night (he'd previously beaten Martin Schindler 3-0). Last night I couldn't miss a treble, tonight I couldn't find a treble. He let me in a few times, but I felt good and listen, to get through a match like that, it's always a good feeling!"

Clayton has particularly fond memories of this tournament. In 2021, then in the "old" version of the Masters, the Welshman secured the first major title of his PDC career. In that edition, Clayton defeated Mervyn King 11-8 in the final. Despite the format having completely changed for 2025, Clayton is keen to use those positive memories to his advantage. "Obviously, just getting to the final day, that's a massive tick in the box," he assesses. "It's going to be a massive task to win again, but I'm looking forward to it."

After being one of those PDC stars left disappointed when it came to the 2025 Premier League Darts lineup, Clayton also has a point to prove. "If I could pick, I'd rather be in the Premier League you know, I'd rather be traveling to everywhere for Thursday nights but listen, I've got to prove that I'm good enough," he says. "Last year, I obviously didn't, so this year, I want to get back in. I've been there three times and I loved every second of it so I want to get back."

If Clayton is to record a second triumph at the Masters, he must first get past the recently crowned champion of the world, Luke Littler, his opponent in the quarterfinals. "I enjoy myself up there and I'm going to try my best and that's all I can say," he previews. "What he's produced, what he's doing, he's a class act fair play to him."