Underdog Clayton keen to prove Premier League point

Jonny Clayton’s record in the Premier League is a formidable one.

The Welshman won the title on debut in 2021 and has reached finals night in each of this three full appearances in the showpiece event.

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But having been overlooked for the past two editions, the Welshman feels he has a point to prove as he returns in 2026.

“I’ve moaned enough about not being in it, so I’m back with a smile on my face and I’ve got some proving to do that I should be in it,” he said.

“If you talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk. I’ve said that I should have been in it, now I need to prove why I should be in it.

“I’m looking forward to this. I’m really ready for this.”

Few will feel they are being written off more than Clayton, and as early as the eve of night one in Newcastle, the 2022 and 2023 semi-finalist got the impression that no one fancies his chances.

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Clayton – the eighth and final player to address reporters at the Premier League’s media day – jokingly quipped that tournament organisers did not expect him to taste further success since the trophy was not present on the table for his interview, as was the case for the other seven participants.

The 51-year-old is also the huge outsider with bookmakers to win the event this year, although that is only adding fuel to the fire as far as ‘The Ferret’ is concerned.

“It motivates me alright because people don’t rate me, obviously they rate the others more. Let’s see on finals night,” he said.

Josh Rock, his opponent on night one, jokingly called Clayton the “old boy” and said he hoped the Pontyberem product would be “rusty”.

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But Clayton is hoping his experience will prove beneficial against debutant Rock.

“To be fair, he’s a good lad, he’s full of fun, he’s confident and he’s a great player,” added Clayton.

“He’s bouncing, he’s ready to go. But I’ve had the experience so hopefully a little bit of experience will help me through.”

Clayton’s ‘hurt’ in 2025

Danny Noppert, James Wade and Nathan Aspinall are among those who were left downhearted to be omitted from this year’s event – the type of crushing disappointment Clayton himself felt in 2024 and 2025.

It perhaps goes some way to explaining why the former Grand Prix, Masters, World Series and two-time World Cup of Darts champion is intent on grabbing his chance to impress on the grandest stages again with both hands.

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“I’m not going to lie, I thought I had a good chance of being in it last year. I’m obviously disappointed that I wasn’t,” Clayton said.

“The year before, I’ve got no complaints at all, but last year hurt a bit and I wanted to be back in it.

“I love this tournament. This is my favourite tournament of all and I wanted to be back in it. I’m back, and now I’ve got a point to prove.”

And on his plans to make a mockery of the odds, Clayton concluded: “I’m going [to finals night]. I’m going there to play, I’m not going to have to watch.”