Jonny Clayton is set to attack the Premier League to maintain his lead in the standings. He faces Michael van Gerwen on March 12, live on Sky Sports.
Clayton’s Strategy: Attack and Accumulate Points
Clayton explained that consistently winning the first match and securing those two points is his baseline expectation. He considers any additional points a real bonus.
The 2021 league winner has built a five-point lead over the rest of the field. He also took the win on night three to boost his place in the standings.
“At the end of the day you’re trying to get as many points as possible,” Clayton said.
- Aiming to qualify for week 17 after week 12.
- Always looking to attack and secure the two points.
- Anything more than two points is a plus.
Facing Van Gerwen in the Premier League
On Thursday, Clayton will face seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen in the opening round. Van Gerwen is looking to close down on the league leader.
Van Gerwen currently sits in fifth with eight points. He has seemed to struggle with form since winning the opening night on February fifth in Newcastle.
“I enjoy playing against Mike, I respect Mike a lot,” Clayton said.
“You know, I’ve always liked the way he plays that. He never blames anybody else.
“He just plays. And if it’s not his night, he blames himself, nobody else, nothing else matters.
“He goes back and he focuses on what he’s done wrong, and I think I’ve picked up a lot of tips up from that.
“No one else can help you, it’s just you, you’ve got to put things right and I really respect that so to play against Mike we just go up, we play the game of darts, no nonsense.”
Aims Beyond the Premier League
Their friendly yet fierce rivalry extends beyond the Premier League. Clayton is also eager to overtake van Gerwen in the PDC Order of Merit to take the fourth spot behind Gian van Veen.
“I’ve done something right and I’ve got a chance of maybe catching or passing Mike,” Clayton added.
“But, you know, I’m sure he’s going to have some ideas on that as well.
“He won’t want a little Welshman passing him, so yeah that’s my aim.
“If I can get above Michael van Gerwen, I can always say I was that one spot better than van Gerwen in life.
Night Six of the Premier League Darts can be watched live on Thursday March 12 from 7pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports+.