Jonny Clayton clinches New Zealand Darts Masters title
Jonny Clayton claimed a maiden New Zealand Darts Masters title with an 8-4 victory over Gerwyn Price in the final in Auckland on Saturday.
The Welshman celebrated his second World Series title courtesy of a trio of terrific performances at the Spark Arena, overcoming Gian van Veen, James Wade and Price to clinch the crown.
Clayton lost out to Price in the 2022 final in Hamilton, but gained revenge against his World Cup partner in front of a 5,000-strong crowd in Auckland.
The 51-year-old was irrepressible in the opening stages of Saturday’s showpiece, landing checkouts of 72, 158, 80 and 62 to establish a commanding 5-1 lead.
Clayton capitalised on some errant doubling from Price to extend his advantage to 7-1, before defying a three-leg flurry from his compatriot to seal the deal with a magnificent 124 checkout on the bull.
“It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner,” reflected Clayton, who recovered from 4-2 down to edge past Haupai Puha on Friday.
“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!”
Clayton began Saturday’s action with an impressive 6-3 success against top seed Gian van Veen, converting six of his seven attempts at doubles to cap off a clinical display.
The world number five was similarly ruthless in his semi-final demolition of James Wade, averaging just shy of 99 and pinning 70 per cent of his attempts at the outer ring to complete a 7-2 rout.
Price, meanwhile, swept aside Australian duo Damon Heta and Raymond Smith to book his place in a first World Series final of the year, having eased past Mark Cleaver in Friday’s opening round.
“I wasn’t great there. I missed a load of doubles, but take nothing away from Jonny – he played brilliantly,” admitted Price.
“For me just to win one game this week was fantastic with all the sh*t I’ve gone through.
“The flight out here and everything that’s gone on, to get to a final, big tap on my back and I’ll be even better next week in Australia.”
Earlier in the night, Smith prevailed in his all-Australian quarter-final against Adam Leek, averaging almost 97 and converting 60 per cent of his attempts at doubles to cap off a polished display.
The evening’s other quarter-final clash saw Wade win through a topsy-turvy clash against Josh Rock, producing a 12-dart break to seal his place in a second New Zealand Masters semi-final.
New Zealand Darts Masters 2026 Day Two Results
Saturday August 15
8am-12pm
Quarter-Finals
Gian van Veen 3-6 Jonny Clayton
James Wade 6-4 Josh Rock
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Damon Heta
Raymond Smith 6-3 Adam Leek
Semi-Finals
Jonny Clayton 7-2 James Wade
Gerwyn Price 7-2 Raymond Smith
Final
Jonny Clayton 8-4 Gerwyn Price
