“Jonny Clayton is the most relaxed darts player at elite level” – Premier League leader’s mindset draws widespread praise

According to former professional darter Matt Edgar, Jonny Clayton ranks among the mentally strongest players at the highest level. The world number five has already impressed this season with a win on Night 3 of the Premier League Darts and a quarter-final spot at the World Championship.

Edgar believes the key to the Welshman’s success lies above all in his mindset on stage. While many top players chase marginal gains to perfect their game, Clayton remains strikingly relaxed.

“The thing that helps Jonny Clayton is his mind and mentality. If you are talking about Luke Humphries, who says, ‘Right, I want to find that one percent more so I can control things.’"

According to Edgar, Clayton stands out precisely because he barely feels any pressure. “Jonny Clayton is the most relaxed darts player at elite level you will ever find," Edgar told OLBG.

The analyst shared an anecdote to illustrate his point. “I literally was in a taxi with him for about thirty minutes the other day and all I heard from him was that darts is just a hobby and a pastime."

Edgar sees Clayton as part of a generation of darters who primarily play for enjoyment. “To him, he is just the last of a pub generation of, ‘I play darts, it’s a good laugh. I enjoy myself and, oh, I just happen to be good at it.’”

Edgar even thinks Clayton doesn’t fully grasp how big his status within the sport has become. "He doesn't realise how good he is, or his position in the world. He doesn’t realise how important and big a role he plays in the world of darts. To him, he is like, ‘Oh, this is great and it is fun.’”

Clayton’s strong form comes at a time when the focus beforehand was mainly on other players. According to Edgar, ahead of the Premier League there was a lot of talk about Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, while other established names received less attention.

Clayton now sits top of the Premier League standings, while compatriot Gerwyn Price occupies fourth. Littler and Humphries are currently outside the playoff spots. “Everyone thought it was going to be Luke and Luke. If anyone was going to hijack it, it was going to be Van Veen."

The fifth night of the Premier League Darts takes place on Thursday evening in Cardiff. Clayton faces second-placed Van Veen, while Price takes on Stephen Bunting.