Wright recovers to defeat Clayton and book Wade clash in European Championship Final

Peter Wright is through to face James Wade in the European Championship Final after an 11-8 victory over Jonny Clayton.

Wright could add the European Championship to his resume for the first time if he defeats the 2018 champion but it was nearly 'The Ferret' who closed in on a potential maiden major triumph.

He was 7-5 up and Wright recovered to win 11-8 and a fatal miscount was the pivotal moment for Clayton which allowed 'Snakebite' to get over the line with a 102 average and seven 180's for the World Champion.

Wright took the advantage early on with a 2-1 lead but at the break, Clayton led 3-2 as despite being on 18% on the doubles, Wright was only averaging 85.

When they returned though, Clayton looked to steal a march with a 68 checkout to break and he held from there to strengthen his grip on the tie in the early going at 6-4 up.

He retained a two-leg cushion at 7-5 up but Wright stayed in touch and pounced with a 110 checkout to level at 7-7 and suddenly the tie had a different complexion with three consecutive legs giving Wright the lead again.

He pinned an 80 checkout to go two clear at 9-7 but Clayton put the Wright throw under pressure with back to back 140’s.

It was three in a row as Clayton left 81 but he missed a big number to give Wright the chance. It was an opportunity Wright didn’t grasp and Clayton pinned 39 to break back.

Clayton messed up on his finish as he thought he was going for a 101 checkout but he was 10 short and Wright claimed a pivotal leg and from there he claimed victory hitting double 20 for 11-8.

Read also

Full ITV4 TV guide for the 2020 European Championship Darts

European Championship schedule

Semi-Finals

James Wade (94.87) 11-10 (97.44) Devon Petersen

Peter Wright (102.06) 11-8 (100.95) Jonny Clayton

Final

James Wade vs Peter Wright