Jonny Clayton delivered a masterclass in precision and power to claim victory at Premier League Darts Night Three in Glasgow, defeating Gian van Veen 6-2 in the final. The Welshman’s dominant performance saw him overcome a challenging field, including a surprisingly subdued Luke Littler, and marked a triumphant return to form for the 2021 Premier League champion.
Clayton’s night began with a significant milestone – ending a near three-year, ten-match losing streak against compatriot Gerwyn Price, winning their quarter-final clash 6-3. He then followed that up with an emphatic 6-1 victory over world number one Luke Littler in the semi-finals, a result that sent shockwaves through the OVO Hydro arena. The win against Littler was particularly impressive, with Clayton averaging over 100 and demonstrating exceptional finishing.
The final against Gian van Veen proved to be another showcase of Clayton’s skill. He sealed the victory with a stunning 156 checkout, capping off a stellar evening and moving him to the top of the early Premier League standings. Van Veen had earlier battled to a 6-5 win over Luke Humphries in a thrilling semi-final, but ultimately couldn’t match Clayton’s consistency and clinical finishing.
Clayton’s Remarkable Night in Detail
The quarter-finals saw Van Veen overcome Stephen Bunting 6-3, while Luke Humphries dispatched Josh Rock 6-2. However, the most notable result of the opening round was undoubtedly Clayton’s victory over Price. The Welsh derby had been a one-sided affair for some time, but Clayton reversed the trend with a convincing performance. “I felt good tonight, didn’t expect the 6-1 against Luke I have to be honest, but I felt good and my darts were going, when your finishing is good the confidence goes up and tonight was my night,” Clayton said after his win.
Littler’s semi-final against Clayton was a stark contrast to his recent form. Having received a bye through to the semi-finals following Michael van Gerwen’s withdrawal due to illness, the young sensation appeared off his game, struggling to find the same level of accuracy that has defined his rapid rise in the sport. Clayton capitalized, averaging 101.33 and hitting 6/9 doubles to secure a comfortable victory.
Van Veen’s path to the final was far more arduous. His 6-5 win over Humphries was a nail-biter, decided in the final leg. The Dutch player demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure, ultimately edging out a strong performance from the former champion.
Littler’s Struggles and Van Gerwen’s Absence
The withdrawal of Michael van Gerwen due to illness significantly altered the landscape of the night. Littler, benefiting from the bye, seemed unable to capitalize on the opportunity, falling flat against Clayton. Former Premier League winner Glen Durrant noted on Sky Sports that Littler looked “stunned” by the result, suggesting a potential dip in confidence. Laura Turner added that the Premier League hadn’t yet seen Littler at his peak, and fans were still waiting for him to “go boom.”
Van Gerwen’s absence also meant that Littler received no league points and a -6 leg difference, a setback in his campaign. The Dutchman’s illness highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the challenges faced by players navigating a demanding schedule.
Rock Faces Hostile Crowd in Glasgow
Josh Rock experienced a less welcoming atmosphere in Glasgow, receiving boos from the crowd due to his support for Rangers Football Club. Rock playfully acknowledged the rivalry by making a 3-1 gesture – referencing Rangers’ recent Old Firm derby win over Celtic – during his walk-on. Despite the hostile reception, Rock demonstrated his skill with a 140 checkout, briefly silencing the crowd before ultimately falling to Humphries.
Looking Ahead to Night Four in Belfast
The Premier League Darts action continues next week in Belfast on at the SSE Arena. The quarter-final matchups will see Luke Littler face Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting take on Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen – hopefully recovered from his illness – battle Gerwyn Price, and Gian van Veen clash with Josh Rock. The Belfast night promises another exciting round of competition as players vie for position in the league standings.
Clayton’s victory in Glasgow serves as a powerful reminder of his talent and experience. As he looks ahead to Belfast, he will undoubtedly be aiming to maintain his momentum and solidify his position as a leading contender for the Premier League title. The tournament continues to deliver drama and excitement, and fans can follow all the action live on Sky Sports.
