CLAYTON LAUGHS OFF ‘GRANDAD’ TAUNTS

JONNY CLAYTON has revealed that his Premier League rivals have dubbed him GRANDAD!

But the oldest flinger in town wants to have the last laugh by being the near-OAP to get the big trophy at the O2 in late May. 

‘The Ferret’ tops the table, one point clear of Michael van Gerwen after his Night Three triumph in Glasgow.

Clayton, 51, admits the nickname comes with plenty of friendly stick in the practice room, but insists the banter only fuels his motivation as he chases more silverware. 

He said: “I’m a young 51 mind, a really young 51, but all jokes aside, I walk in that practice room and I do get a bit stick that I’m the oldest in there.

“It’s just: Here comes Grandad, sort of thing. But it’s all just fun, it’s all in good heart and that’s what you want, it’s banter, it relaxes you and it’s great, really good to be back in a winner’s circle. 

“I’m back enjoying it. Things are going my way, so I’d be mad not to enjoy it. So far so good.

“I believe in myself, I believe that I can throw darts. So when things go my way, I’m a tough man to beat.

“Hopefully it’s going to go on for quite a bit again. Maybe if I get that World Championship, maybe, I’ll retire, but until then, I’ll be here.”

For the first time since their Premier League debuts in 2024, neither Luke Humphries nor Luke Littler has claimed a nightly win in the opening three weeks of the campaign. 

Clayton is delighted to have kept the lethal Lukes at bay as he targets his fifth major crown. 

He added: “We’re doing our job at the moment, they’ve not clicked, but I’m sure they will. I’m sure those two will click and then it’s going to be difficult for us all again.  

“I’m trying to get as many points on the board as I can early on and then, hopefully, you’ll see me in London.”

World No.5 Clayton says he has rediscovered his passion for the sport and is determined to channel that renewed hunger into securing his first Euro Tour title of the season this weekend. 

He continued: “Like I say, I’m enjoying the game again. There’s a smile on my face. I leave home wanting to play.

“Before, I was leaving home thinking: Why am I going? Because I’d lost the love for the game. But now I’m back, I leave the house and I’m thinking: I’ve got a job to do.

“I’ve got money to put in my bank. I’m playing well again. So, obviously, I’m looking forward to every tournament. 

“I’ll concentrate on Poland and hopefully I can win that as well.” 

Clayton returns to action this Saturday at the Poland Masters and will face either Dirk van Duijvenbode or Adam Gawlas in round two.

Image by Taylor Lanning.