Jonny Clayton emerged victorious over his fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price with an 8‑4 win to claim the New Zealand Darts Masters crown in Auckland. The tournament saw Clayton navigate a challenging draw, dispatching Dutch rising star Gian van Veen and seasoned English competitor James Wade before meeting Price in the championship showdown. In the final, Clayton secured his second World Series of Darts title by finishing on a perfect 124 checkout, landing the bullseye to seal the match.
The final began with Clayton delivering a spectacular 158 checkout, which propelled him to a 3‑0 lead. He never looked back, quickly extending his advantage to 7‑1. Although Price mounted a brief resurgence, winning three consecutive legs, Clayton held firm and closed out the contest, avenging his 2022 defeat to Price in Hamilton. Reflecting on the experience, Clayton said, "It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner.
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. I really enjoyed that.
It's 1‑1 now, so next year – winner takes all! I'm looking forward to Wollongong next week. Hopefully the sun will shine on me and I can lift another trophy!" The New Zealand Darts Masters formed part of the World Series of Darts, a collection of high‑profile events designed to bring the sport to new audiences around the globe. The Auckland venue attracted a lively crowd, many of whom were familiar with both Clayton and Price from their appearances in the PDC World Cup of Darts, where they have often represented Wales together.
Their shared background in rugby—both having played the sport at a junior level—added an extra layer of intrigue to the final, prompting Clayton's playful reference to their rugby roots. Clayton's road to the final was anything but easy. In the round of 16 he edged out Haupai Puha 6‑5 in a tightly contested match that saw both players exchange legs throughout.
The quarter‑finals pitted him against Gian van Veen, a young Dutch talent who had impressed throughout the tournament. Clayton dominated that encounter, winning 6‑3, and then faced James Wade in the semi‑finals.
Wade, a former world champion, put up a strong fight, but Clayton's relentless scoring and clinical finishing secured a 7‑2 victory, earning him a place in the championship match. Gerwyn Price, the defending champion and former world number one, entered the tournament with high expectations. He dispatched Mark Cleaver 6‑1 in the round of 16, survived a nail‑biting 6‑5 win over Adam Leek in the quarter‑finals, and then produced a convincing 7‑2 semi‑final triumph over Raymond Smith. Despite his strong form, Price could not match Clayton's precision on the day, particularly when the Welshman hit that decisive 124 checkout.
The tournament also featured a number of notable performances from other players. Australian contender Damon Heta recorded a 6‑4 win over Stephen Bunting, while New Zealander Josh Rock overcame James Wade 6‑4 in the round of 16 before falling to Wade in the quarter‑finals.
The event highlighted the growing depth of talent in the PDC circuit, with emerging stars like Gian van Veen and established veterans all competing on the same stage. Beyond the on‑stage action, the New Zealand Darts Masters was broadcast live on Sky Sports, bringing the excitement of professional darts to a wider audience.
Fans could also stream the matches via the NOW platform, and the event was accompanied by related content such as the "Love the Darts" podcast and a series of highlight reels that captured the tournament's most memorable moments. Looking ahead, the PDC calendar continues with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled to air on Sky Sports from September 28 to October 4.
Luke Littler will defend his title in that tournament, offering another opportunity for fans to watch top‑level darts action. As for Clayton, his focus now shifts to the upcoming event in Wollongong, where he hopes to add another trophy to his growing collection and continue building on the momentum generated by his Auckland triumph.
In summary, Jonny Clayton's 8‑4 victory over Gerwyn Price not only secured his second World Series title but also underscored his ability to perform under pressure and deliver spectacular finishes when it matters most. The match served as a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and the unique camaraderie that exists among Welsh darts players, many of whom share a common background in rugby.
With the season still in full swing, both Clayton and Price remain key figures to watch as they chase further success on the global darts stage.