Jonny Clayton secured a nightly win in Brighton, beating Michael van Gerwen in the final of the Premier League Darts. Clayton came from behind to defeat Van Gerwen 6-5, claiming his third nightly win of the year. This victory propels Clayton to the top of the Premier League standings.
Clayton’s Comeback Secures Victory
Clayton overcame a 5-2 deficit to beat Van Gerwen 6-5. Van Gerwen missed four match darts, allowing the Welshman to win four straight legs and take the match in Brighton. Clayton hit two 180s in the final leg before sealing the win on double 16.
“I thought the game was over at 5-2 up for Michael,” Clayton told Sky Sports. “He missed, he gave me a chance. You’ve got to take chances. That last leg was probably my best of the game.”
With the win, Clayton now sits atop the Premier League table, three points ahead of Luke Littler.
Van Gerwen Solidifies Play-off Spot
Despite falling short of a first nightly win since the opening week in Newcastle, Van Gerwen’s performance in Brighton helped him secure his play-off place. He now has a four-point lead over Gian van Veen, who sits in fifth place.
Littler Suffers Another Early Exit
Luke Littler suffered a quarter-final defeat, losing 6-4 to Stephen Bunting. Littler was booed by the crowd on his way to the stage after his spat with Van Veen last week. He averaged just 83.94, and Bunting’s finishing prevented an even more comprehensive defeat.
Humphries’ Struggle Continues
Defending champion Luke Humphries suffered another defeat, leaving him in a battle to reach the play-offs. Humphries lost 6-5 to Clayton after missing a match dart in the deciding leg. He is currently seventh in the table, five points off fourth place and without a nightly win this year.
Other Results from Brighton
- Luke Humphries 5-6 Jonny Clayton
- Luke Littler 4-6 Stephen Bunting
- Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Gian van Veen
Gerwyn Price also fell at the quarter-final stage, losing 6-3 to Josh Rock. Rock then lost 6-4 to Clayton in the semi-finals. Bunting was beaten 6-5 by Van Gerwen in the semi-finals.
The Premier League Darts season continues with matches in Rotterdam on Thursday, 16 April, featuring Michael van Gerwen v Jonny Clayton.