“She can upset a few people this year” – Jonny Clayton admits he hopes to avoid Beau Greaves in 2026

Jonny Clayton may be preparing for another run at the Winmau World Masters, but his focus extends well beyond one tournament. As the 2026 season begins to take shape, the Welshman is already thinking about the wider competitive landscape and the opponents capable of shaking things up across the year. Among them, one name stands out.

“Obviously, I wouldn’t want to play Beau Greaves,” Clayton admitted in conversation with Tungsten Tales. “She’s fantastic. Every time you watch her play, she’s exciting, and I think she can upset a few people this year.”

Clayton is back in Milton Keynes, having reached the World Masters final twelve months ago, and his enthusiasm for the event is clear. “Yeah, 100%,” he said. “It’s a great tournament – and I call it a great tournament rather than just a good one because it’s different. Players like difference. It’s a new challenge, a different mindset, different concentration. Looking back at last year, I reached the final and thought, yeah, brilliant. Hopefully, I can do it again this year.”

The tournament also carries added significance now that ranking points are back on offer. “I’m world number five at the moment, so it’s about keeping myself there and pushing on. Hopefully, this is a good start to the year.”

The unique structure of the World Masters was something Clayton initially approached with caution. “I wasn’t so sure, to be honest, because it was different. You’ve got to put it in your head that it’s two legs – win two legs and you’ve got an upset. That was different for us as players, and for me personally.”

That unfamiliarity soon became part of the appeal. “I really enjoyed it. Like I keep saying, it’s so different to other tournaments. It’s exciting, it’s good for concentration, it’s a different kind of match play, and I think it’s good for the general public, too. It’s fun.”

Clayton believes there is space in darts for more formats that challenge players in new ways. “There’s always space for difference, isn’t there? It’s a change for everyone – for the fans and for the players. Don’t ask me what the format should be because I can’t answer that, but there are always ideas floating around. Maybe one day one of them will stick. Who knows?”

Alongside the World Masters, Clayton is also relishing his return to the Premier League Darts after missing out last year.

“Yeah, 100%. I love the Premier League. I’ve always wanted to be back in it, and my chance has come again, so I’m obviously happy about that,” he said. “But this is the start of the year. This is where money talks – money for your ranking, money for yourself. I’m really looking forward to this year, and hopefully there’ll be something special in it.”

More than selection alone, Clayton feels his form is heading back in the right direction. “When you’re playing well and you’re consistent again, that’s what makes you feel good. Everything else is a bonus. Being back in the Premier League is a massive plus, but more importantly my darts are starting to show that I’m back on track.”

That sense of balance has also shaped his approach since the World Championship. “Do you know what? I’m lazy. I get bored very quickly. If I overdo practice, I’ll sit down for days and not do anything. So I’ve been trying to work out what actually works for me.”

“I’ve put a lot of practice in, and it was in the back of my head that I had a good chance of being back in the Premier League. I’ve worked hard, and hopefully it shows once this weekend starts.”

Clayton remains clear about the level he wants to return to in 2026. “Yeah, that’s the standard I want back, 100%. And I’d like to get even better than that. I’d love to pick up a few more trophies.”

“I’m not gone yet. I’m not finished yet. Two years ago was a different Jonny Clayton, but I’m back enjoying it and playing well. Hopefully this year will be all right.”

While the travel remains a necessary frustration, his love for competition has not faded. “I think as players, nobody really enjoys travelling – and I’m definitely miserable when it comes to that. Travelling doesn’t do it for me at all. But playing the game? That’s fantastic. I love every second of playing darts. That’s what matters to me.”

When it comes to potential opponents across the season, Clayton keeps things simple. “Whoever it is, it’s whoever it is. There’s nothing I can do about that – I’ll just wait and see.”

Still, his comments on Greaves underline the respect she now commands on tour, with Clayton recognising her potential impact well beyond any single event in Milton Keynes.