Jonny Clayton emerged victorious over his fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price, securing an 8‑4 triumph in the championship match of the New Zealand Darts Masters held in Auckland. The win marked Clayton’s second World Series of Darts title, and he clinched it with a dramatic 124‑checkout that landed squarely on the bullseye, underscoring his composure under pressure. Clayton’s journey to the final was anything but straightforward. He opened the tournament with a solid performance against Dutch up‑and‑comer Gian van Veen, dispatching the youngster with a steady hand and a series of high‑scoring visits that left the crowd buzzing.
In the quarter‑finals he faced seasoned English veteran James Wade, a player known for his relentless consistency. Clayton managed to out‑play Wade by keeping his own scoring rhythm tight and capitalising on a few crucial doubles, advancing with a respectable margin. The semi‑final saw Clayton confront Wade once more, this time in a more intense setting.
He surged ahead early, posting a 158 finish that gave him a 3‑0 lead in legs. The Welshman never looked back, building a commanding 7‑1 advantage before Price attempted a late comeback. Despite a three‑leg rally from Price that threatened to narrow the gap, Clayton held firm, ultimately sealing the match and avenging his 2022 final loss to Price in Hamilton. Reflecting on the victory, Clayton expressed genuine delight at sharing the stage with his World Cup teammate.
"It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner," he said, highlighting the camaraderie that often underpins the sport. He also made a light‑hearted comment about the rugby roots of both players, noting, "It just shows that two rugby boys can play darts, and to play against each other in the world of rugby here in New Zealand, I've got a smile on my face." Looking ahead, Clayton hinted at future ambitions, noting the 1‑1 scoreline in the series and teasing a potential showdown next year: "It's 1‑1 now, so next year – winner takes all!" He also mentioned his upcoming participation in the Wollongong event, hoping for favourable weather to help him add another trophy to his collection.
The New Zealand Darts Masters featured a packed schedule of high‑calibre matches. In the round of 16, Price dispatched Mark Cleaver 6‑1, while Ross Smith edged out Adam Leek in a nail‑biting 6‑5 encounter. James Wade posted a dominant 6‑0 win over Kayden Milne, and Josh Rock overcame Simon Whitlock 6‑4. Gian van Veen, after his early exit, was beaten by Clayton 6‑5, and Damon Heta fell to Raymond Smith 6‑3.
Quarter‑final action saw Clayton maintain his momentum, defeating Gian van Veen 6‑3, while Wade was ousted by James Rock 6‑4. Price continued his strong form by beating Heta 6‑2, and Smith advanced past Adam Leek with a 6‑3 victory. In the semi‑finals, Clayton displayed his dominance with a 7‑2 win over Wade, matching Price’s identical 7‑2 triumph over Smith. The final, a best‑of‑15‑leg showdown, culminated in Clayton’s 8‑4 victory, cementing his status as a rising star on the World Series circuit.
For fans eager to follow the sport, darts fixtures are regularly broadcast on Sky Sports, with live coverage and highlights available through the NOW streaming platform. The Love the Darts podcast also offers in‑depth analysis and interviews with players, providing additional insight into the competitive landscape. Looking forward, the darts calendar continues with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, set to return to Sky Sports from September 28 to October 4. Luke Littler will defend his title, promising another exciting chapter for the sport.
As the season progresses, viewers can stream the action alongside other top‑tier sporting events on NOW, ensuring they never miss a moment of the thrilling world of professional darts.