Clinical Jonny Clayton claims Premier League Darts Night Two triumph in Liverpool
Jonny Clayton moved to the top of the 2022 Premier League Darts table after claiming victory on Night Two Liverpool by defeating Joe Cullen in the final.
Clayton pulled off two superb comebacks at the M&S Bank Arena to scoop the £10,000 bonus and take his tally to eight points.
Having lost out to Peter Wright in the final on opening night in Cardiff seven days ago, Clayton went one better as he denied debutant Cullen glory.
The defending champion began the night with a 6-3 victory over world finalist Michael Smith with a 100.8 average and 75 per cent on the doubles, before battling back from 4-1 down to dispatch Michael van Gerwen with a sensational five-leg burst.
Clayton averaged 106.6 to MVG’s 105 and continued his remarkable finishing with six doubles from eight attempts to seal his spot in the final.
Cullen, who endured a nightmare on the doubles in a Quarter-Final defeat in Cardiff a week ago, began the final the brighter of the pair as he established a 3-1 lead.
Clayton hit back to level the match at three apiece before another break of throw saw Cullen wrestle back the initiative.
The Welsh star then went on to win the next three legs, capitalising on Cullen’s missed doubles to claim the win and move top of the early standings.
“It means a lot to me to win in Liverpool, I support Liverpool FC so the city means a lot to me,” said Clayton.
“The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic, it’s a shame we have to leave!
“I didn’t play my best in the final but I got over the line and that’s what counts.
“The game against Michael van Gerwen was hard work, I had to be at my very best to win that one.
“I’m Premier League champion for a reason and I’ve got off to a good start this year, so long may it continue.”
Van Gerwen had swept aside an out of sorts Peter Wright with a 6-1 rout to kick off the evening, bettering his 103 average from that match with a 105 average in an epic Semi-Final with Clayton, only to eventually be defeated.
Gerwyn Price was the other man to reach the Last Four after defeating Gary Anderson 6-3, but the world number one came unstuck in the last four despite leading Cullen 5-2.
Cullen’s comeback win over the 2021 World Champion saw him average 101.5 and fire in four maximums, as well as a 121 checkout.
Masters Champion Cullen also defeated James Wade 6-3 in Liverpool as he registered his first points of the campaign going into Night Three in Belfast next Thursday.
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Premier League Darts 2022 Night Two Results
Thursday February 10
Quarter-Finals
Peter Wright 1-6 Michael van Gerwen
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Michael Smith
James Wade 3-6 Joe Cullen
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Gary Anderson
Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen 4-6 Jonny Clayton
Joe Cullen 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Final
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Joe Cullen
