"Where do you put it? I can’t answer that": Jonny Clayton flummoxed by potential new PDC major in Germany adding to heavy schedule
PDC
With the arrival of a new major tournament in Germany from next year, the PDC is once again facing a major challenge: where can the event fit into an already packed darts calendar? Jonny Clayton has openly questioned how the organisation will solve the issue and fears the already demanding schedule for the sport's top players will only become even more intense.
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The PDC recently announced that a new premier tournament will be added to the calendar in 2027. Very few details about the event have been revealed so far, and it also remains unclear whether it will be a ranking tournament or a non-ranking major.
For Clayton, however, one thing is certain: finding room for another major event will be anything but straightforward. This even with Clayton's gripes about even playing in Germany which no doubt would mean as part of the darting elite a decision would need to be made.
"Where do you put it? I can’t answer that. I am glad I am not the one in charge of that. There is a new major bring it in. Where do you put it? I don’t know," he said to Oche180.
A hectic first half of the season
According to the Welshman who plays in the World Matchplay this weekend, the first half of the season is already incredibly demanding, particularly for players competing in the Premier League Darts. “I think the first six months of the year are pretty stacked as they are for the boys that are in the Premier League.
Clayton fears the crowded schedule will result in more players choosing to skip other events. “If you are going to put that on top, it is pressure on the boys in there. I think you are singling out the boys pulling out of Players Championships, maybe one or two Europeans.
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Jonny Clayton isn't sure about a new major.
According to 'The Ferret', rest is just as important as playing tournaments. Something with a family with kids he knows well and also has like alluded to boycotted tournaments at times to spend more time at home. You have to charge your batteries. You need some time out at home. You need some chill-out time.
Chasing a first World Matchplay title
Despite the discussion surrounding the calendar, Clayton is now fully focused on the World Matchplay, where he faces Damon Heta in the first round later this week. The four-time major champion has enjoyed a solid season, reaching multiple ProTour finals and finishing runner-up at the Belgium Darts Open. Now, in Blackpool, he hopes to finally capture his first World Matchplay title.
Clayton came close to lifting the trophy in 2023, but Nathan Aspinall proved too strong in the final. “I always say I love Blackpool. It is a place where true darts fans go. Darts is mental up there.
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According to Clayton, having the elite there is exactly what makes the World Matchplay so special. “You have the best 32 that are battling it out for that trophy.
He has certainly not forgotten his defeat to Aspinall in that final. “The fans are amazing. I got into the final against Nathan. Unfortunately, it wasn't my way, and Nathan battered me, to be fair. He played some excellent darts. You take them on the chin. Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose.
That doesn't mean he won't be giving everything this year to finally lift the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy. “It is only a game. Hopefully this year maybe I can lift the trophy. I am going to try my best and who knows.”
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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