CLAYTON CALLS FOR END TO HILDESHEIM PRO TOURS
08/10/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
JONNY CLAYTON reckons the PDC should stop staging Pro Tour events in Hildesheim.
‘The Ferret’ says he purposely skipped the Players Championship 26-27 events despite the fierce race for ranking points near the top of the Order of Merit.
World No. 6 Clayton dispatched Andrew Gilding 2-0 in the opening round of the World Grand Prix, averaging 88.37 and nailing six finishing doubles from 14 attempts.
But Clayton revealed the trip to Germany for floor tournaments is unnecessary given the packed calendar.
He said: “In the rankings from world number four to nine we are all very close together.
“If you want to stay in that top 10 basically you have to do everything.
“You know I didn’t go to Germany for the Pro Tour events in Hildesheim simply because I don’t think we should have them there.
“But those are the only ones I missed — I try to get to everything else.
“I missed one of the European Tour events because of my daughter’s 18th birthday, otherwise I would have been there.
“For me to stay in the top 10 I want to get as high as I can. I want to be world champion and world number one.
“Every other player would say the same. That is my dream, and I will try my hardest to get there.”
Welsh thrower Clayton has enjoyed a superb 2025, winning the Dutch Darts Championship and Players Championship 14, as well as reaching the World Masters final.
Clayton also reached the semi-finals of the UK Open and World Matchplay this campaign.
However, the 51-year-old chases his first major title since 2021.
He added: “We are all chasing trophies at the end of the day. The money in the bank is brilliant, but it is nice to have silverware in the cupboard as well.
“I’d be lying if I said I don’t think about winning majors. I have done it before, and I know I can do it again.
“I did think of giving up but I am glad I didn’t. I think there is a spark back in me and I have a smile on my face.
“I am trying to do something that I am good at, so hopefully I can carry on.
“My finishing is good, and I am not afraid to go for doubles — so if you give me a chance, I am hunting for that win.”
Clayton returns to action on Thursday and will face Luke Woodhouse in round two at the Mattioli Arena.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
