“That wasn’t me – I struggled big time” - Jonny Clayton surprisingly downbeat after reaching World Matchplay quarter-finals

Despite battling past Mike De Decker to reach the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Matchplay, Jonny Clayton admitted to Dartsnews.com afterwards, he was “gutted” with his performance.

The 2023 runner-up was far from his fluent best but held his nerve to complete an 11-8 victory, defying a late rally from De Decker to stay alive in the tournament. The Belgian fired in back-to-back 12-darters in the closing stages to reduce the arrears to 8-6, but Clayton – aided by nine 180s – responded with just enough quality to edge over the line.

“Not good, but I got over the line,” Clayton said bluntly in his post-match press conference with Dartsnews.com. “I struggled big time, Mike struggled big time – one of them games. I'm lucky enough to get over that line.”

Having impressed in his opening-round win, Clayton had been tipped as a potential dark horse for the title. But his second-round display was a significant step down, with both men failing to produce consistent scoring or finishing. “Tonight didn't show that I'd be anywhere near capable of winning this tournament,” he admitted. “I am lucky to get over that line. Mike did not throw well. I'm lucky.”

Despite the scrappy nature of the contest, Clayton’s route through the draw now looks far more inviting after the early exits of some of the pre-tournament favourites. He faces fourth seed Stephen Bunting in Thursday’s quarter-finals, with a spot in the final four up for grabs.

“Genuinely, I’m here to win the tournament – I’m trying my best,” Clayton insisted. “Tonight did not prove anywhere near that I can win it, but hopefully when I play against Steve next round, Jonny Clayton turns up to play darts – not just to show the crowd that I’m there.”

Before he locks horns with Bunting, the Welshman plans to clear his head with a round of golf and hit the practice board to rediscover some rhythm. “I’ll be on that board tomorrow, just to try and get something together,” he said. “I’m going to play golf first thing, but I will be practising – just to try and concentrate on what I can do. I didn’t perform tonight and I’m gutted.”

Asked if his composure in the final legs was down to experience, the 50-year-old wasn’t entirely convinced. “Is it experience or just was my luck in? I don’t know, to be honest,” he shrugged. “I haven’t got much experience here – I'm usually out first round. But if my darts go well, I know I can win this tournament. If they don't, I'm going to struggle – exactly like I did tonight.”

Still, Clayton was adamant that his belief hasn’t wavered – he just needs to hit a much higher level if he’s to contend for the title. “We all believe we can win the tournament. I do believe – but I need to up my game after what I did tonight,” he said. “If I want to win this tournament, I need at least two more gears. If I play like this, Stephen’s going to tear me apart.”

Clayton watched Bunting’s dramatic win over Gary Anderson earlier in the evening and expects their clash to be a much higher-quality affair – especially if both men find their top gear. “If we both turn up, we can both hit nine-darters – hopefully!” he laughed. “But it’s a totally different game. Hopefully it’s going to be my week and I walk off the stage with the cup at the end of it on Sunday.”