Jonny Clayton emerged victorious over his fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price with an 8‑4 win in the championship match of the New Zealand Darts Masters held in Auckland, securing his second World Series of Darts title. The tournament saw Clayton navigate a challenging draw, overcoming Dutch up‑and‑comer Gian van Veen and seasoned English competitor James Wade before reaching the final. In the decisive encounter, Clayton sealed the victory with a spectacular 124‑checkout that landed on the bullseye, underlining his composure under pressure. The final began with Clayton establishing an early lead, delivering a flawless 158 finish that propelled him to a 3‑0 advantage.
He never looked back, extending his dominance to a commanding 7‑1 lead. Although Price rallied late, winning three consecutive legs, Clayton held firm and closed out the match, exacting a measure of revenge for his loss to Price in the 2022 Hamilton final. Reflecting on the triumph, Clayton highlighted the unique camaraderie shared with Price, noting that the two are also teammates in the World Cup of Darts. "It was great to play the final with my World Cup partner," he said.
"It just goes to show that two lads who grew up playing rugby can also excel on the darts stage, especially here in New Zealand. Seeing us face each other in a sport that’s as much about precision as it is about mental strength gave me a huge smile." Clayton also hinted at future ambitions, teasing a potential showdown next year.
"It’s 1‑1 now, so next year – winner takes all!" he added, before looking ahead to his next commitment in Wollongong. "I’m excited for the event next week. Hopefully the sun will be shining and I can add another trophy to my cabinet." The New Zealand Darts Masters featured a robust field of international talent. In the round of 16, Price dispatched Mark Cleaver 6‑1, while Ross Smith edged out Adam Leek 6‑5.
James Wade recorded a convincing 6‑0 victory over Kayden Milne, and Josh Rock beat Simon Whitlock 6‑4. Gian van Veen progressed with a 6‑1 win over Jonny Tata, and Clayton survived a tight 6‑5 battle against Haupai Puha. Damon Heta overcame Ben Robb 6‑4, and Stephen Bunting fell 2‑6 to Raymond Smith. The quarter‑finals saw Clayton continue his strong form, defeating van Veen 6‑3, while Wade fell 4‑6 to James Rock.
Price dispatched Damon Heta 6‑2, and Raymond Smith eliminated Adam Leek 6‑3. In the semi‑finals, Clayton delivered a dominant 7‑2 performance against James Wade, and Price mirrored that scoreline against Raymond Smith, setting up a highly anticipated final. Beyond the tournament itself, darts fans can stay connected with live coverage on Sky Sports, which continues to broadcast major events throughout the season.
For those who prefer streaming, the NOW platform offers live darts alongside a broad range of sports content. Additionally, enthusiasts can tune into the "Love the Darts" podcast for in‑depth analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
Looking ahead, the sport’s calendar remains packed. The BoyleSports World Grand Prix will return to Sky Sports from September 28 to October 4, featuring a defending champion in Luke Littler who will aim to retain his title. As the darts circuit moves forward, players like Jonny Clayton will be looking to build on their recent successes, while rivals such as Gerwyn Price will be eager to reclaim their standing. The blend of high‑stakes competition, international venues, and expanding media coverage ensures that darts continues to grow its global audience and deliver thrilling moments for fans worldwide.