Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries book World Matchplay Semi-Final berths
Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries held firm to reach their first World Matchplay Semi-Final in Blackpool on Friday.
Clayton produced a remarkable display of finishing to continue his landmark run at the Winter Gardens, landing six ton-plus checkouts in a 16-12 success over Ryan Searle.
Tenacious Welshman Clayton fended off a spirited Searle to continue his quest to lift the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday.
The pair made an explosive start to the contest, before Clayton followed up a trademark 121 finish in leg eight with a 13-dart break.
Searle responded with a 121 checkout of his own to restore parity at five apiece, and the monopoly with the throw continued as the Somerset star edged into an 8-7 lead.
However, Clayton seized the initiative during a sensational seven-leg spell, winning six of those legs and converting 124, 100 and 122 combinations to establish a 13-9 cushion.
Despite his blistering start to the tie, Searle’s sensational scoring began to waver in the latter stages, and Clayton maintained control to remain in contention for glory.
“What a game – that was brilliant,” reflected Clayton, who has won more televised titles than the rest of the semi-finalists combined.
“It’s always a great feeling to hit the big finishes, and that really helped me out tonight.
“Ryan is one of the nicest guys on tour and he’s a cracking dart player. We have great respect for each other, so I’m chuffed to get over that winning line.”
An emotional Clayton added: “I’m doing this for my dad. He’s not well at all, so it would mean everything for me to win this title.
“It means a lot to me for a lot of different reasons. My dad’s my biggest fan and he’s wishing me on so I want to do this for him.
“I’m fighting until the end – it would mean everything to win; for my family, my friends and obviously my dad, hopefully it’s going to be my year.”
Meanwhile, Humphries survived a late scare in his victory over former World Cup winner Damon Heta in a contest which featured a record 20 breaks of throw.
Humphries fired in back-to-back 180s on his way to a 12-dart break in leg five, and produced a show-stopping tops-tops 100 finish in leg nine, yet Heta continued to peg him back.
Following a 12-dart break from Heta in leg 12, Humphries finally established some daylight with a run of three consecutive legs, although the pattern of breaks continued throughout the fourth session.
Former UK Open runner-up Humphries appeared to have broken Heta’s resistance with a punishing three-leg blitz midway through the tie, reeling off three straight legs in 14, 11 and 12 darts.
The Australian was staring down the barrel at 9-15, although he threatened to launch an astonishing comeback, following up legs of 12, 14 and 13 darts with a spectacular 152 checkout to reduce the deficit to 15-13.
Nevertheless, with Heta growing in confidence, Humphries sealed his progress in style, producing a brilliant double-double 92 finish with a brace of double 18s to keep his title hopes alive.
“Tomorrow is going to be a great spectacle. It’s a huge game for me,” admitted the 28-year-old, who is eyeing a place in his second televised ranking final.
“The other three players left in have won a big TV title, I haven’t. They know it feels and I don’t, but if I play like I know I can, I believe I can make the final.
“I enjoy that pressure on my shoulders. I enjoy the fact I’ve got to perform or I know it’s game over, and I think I’m the underdog against Jonny tomorrow.
“Jonny is one of the best finishers in the world. My scoring has got to improve, and if I can limit the opportunities he has, it can only help my cause.”
World Matchplay 2023 Day Seven Results
Friday July 21
Quarter-Finals
8pm-11pm
Jonny Clayton 16-12 Ryan Searle
Luke Humphries 16-13 Damon Heta
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