Jonny Clayton claims Premier League Night Eight title in Birmingham
Jonny Clayton secured his second Premier League weekly title of the season with victory on Night Eight in Birmingham courtesy of a 6-1 rout of James Wade in the final.
Clayton, who initially triumphed on Night Two in Liverpool, doubled his tally in the new-look format by scooping the £10,000 bonus at the Utilita Arena on Thursday.
The triumph sees the reigning champion move level on 17 points with Michael van Gerwen at the top of the league table.
Clayton saved his best performance until last as he stormed to a 6-1 rout of ‘The Machine’ with a 111 average and five 180s, denying Wade his first weekly title.
“When they go like that I think I’m one of the best in the world, so tonight was brilliant,” said Clayton.
“The field that we’re in is absolutely fantastic, there are no gimmes and I think tonight was as well as I can throw.
“I’m chasing Michael, so hopefully I can pass him next week.
“It’s great to win these nights but I want to be in that top four to try and retain my title.”
Clayton kick-started his run to glory by thrashing Michael Smith 6-1 with a 99 average to progress to the Semi-Finals.
He then averaged 103.7 in a 6-4 win over world number one Peter Wright – who himself averaged 107.7 in a thrilling encounter.
Wade started the evening at the bottom of the table but opened his account with a 6-2 win over an out-of-sorts Michael van Gerwen.
Wade then punished Joe Cullen for missing eight darts at doubles as he progressed to his second weekly final of the campaign.
Cullen had earlier seen off a struggling Gerwyn Price 6-3, with the world number two having to contend with a fractured bone in his throwing hand.
A narrow 6-5 defeat to Wright in the Quarter-Finals saw Night Six winner Gary Anderson drop to the foot of the table at the halfway stage of the league phase.
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Premier League Darts – Night Eight Results
Thursday March 31
Quarter-Finals
James Wade 6-2 Michael van Gerwen
Joe Cullen 6-3 Gerwyn Price
Peter Wright 6-5 Gary Anderson
Jonny Clayton 6-1 Michael Smith
Semi-Finals
James Wade 6-2 Joe Cullen
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Peter Wright
Final
Jonny Clayton 6-1 James Wade
