"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
PDC
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."
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- Likewise, I have always been a fan of Mervyn and with this worry on his mind, it explains why his form and ranking plummeted. It is really sad to hear this, often chatted to Mervyn and Tracey during the Lakeside days, both are lovely people. It does seem naive not acknowledging the fact it was earnings, surely there must be others in the same situation. I really hope the Kings can get through this....would a go fund me be permittedrichieburnettrocks11-03-2025
- I always like Merv,but he does he seems slightly naive with his comments. I wish you all the best, hope you can get sorted,and try and get back to a decent game,a bit of money.....and get rid of the dogs,if that's your main concern,I believe your priorities may be slightly wrongrick6710-03-2025
- What’s with the dogs element to this story, trying to pull at the heart strings? Just goes to show that being a good dart player does not equate to being that bright. Seriously, ‘I thought you didn’t have to pay tax on winnings’ , your a pro dart player and its your line of work, your not playing the lottery or placing a bet. I think it was Phil Taylor who said you should put a third to one side of all winnings into a bank account, obviously Merv was wearing his earplugs at the time.Mysstree10-03-2025
- The thing is... the folks who "humiliated" Taylor in the Seniors Events never really achieved anything in the important events - like Taylor did. Taylor had/has nothing to prove... and beating Taylor after he had retired is of zero value. Taylor in his prime would have made easy work of all of them. Cheers.MrYnyslas197107-03-2025
- Taylor was humiliated in the seniors events,so he really has nothing to lose by playing littler. I think he should put his darts away,and let us remember what a great player he wasrick6706-03-2025
- actually, since you're asking... yes. yes i do.colt06-03-2025
- If Wade had done that to Beau or Fallon or another female it would be deservedly claimed as sexual assault. Wade has always been odd and his interviews are so cringe worthy. I have a feeling if you asked Helen Chamberlain she would set alarm bells ringing with her storiesrichieburnettrocks05-03-2025
- I welcome you back jackpot,a real talent that has been missed. All the bestrick6704-03-2025
- It is not that bad a hair style, Littler has terrible hair but Rydz has some kind of bird nest gaffer taped to his head, absolutely dreadful.richieburnettrocks04-03-2025
- I have known Gemma for many years and can't believe she has never played at the World Championship, very talented and showed lots of potential. Her girlfriend Stephanie Smee made the World Championship semi final but just seemed to disappear and she was excellent that year, very unlucky to have been beaten by Anastasia. Hope Gemma will make it this year.richieburnettrocks03-03-2025