CLAYTON SLAMMED FOR HILDESHEIM SNUB COMMENTS

VINCENT VAN DER VOORT has hit out at Jonny Clayton after the Welshman said he would rather not see ProTour events staged in Hildesheim.

The Dutchman was left stunned by Clayton’s comments — made during the World Grand Prix — and accused him of being out of touch with how global the sport has become.

Former pro Van der Voort stressed that the PDC’s international expansion is vital for bringing through new talent from across Europe.

Van der Voort didn’t hold back on players who prefer to stay close to home.

He said: “Jonny is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet on Tour. But that’s just an idiotic comment. Surely he can’t be serious?

“He seems to think all the Pro Tours should be in Wales or England — basically in his own backyard.

“That makes no sense at all. Darts needs to keep growing globally, and countries like Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium play a huge role in that.

“Because of tournaments in Hildesheim and the Euro Tour, we’re seeing more and more European players coming through.

“That’s exactly what the sport needs. And then someone like Clayton says everything should just stay in England? I really don’t understand it.”

‘The Dutch Destroyer’ also called for a fairer spread of events across the continent.

He added: “There should be a maximum of ten Pro Tours in England. Why not host more in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, or Eastern Europe?

“Even Wales, Scotland or Ireland. It’s time for darts to become truly international.

“It’s just laziness. For the English players, it’s easy — they hop in their car, drive to the venue, and that’s it.

“The rest of us have to fly, sometimes with two transfers. And then Mr Clayton says Hildesheim is no good? That just shows he doesn’t get it.”

World No. 6 Clayton has enjoyed a superb 2025, winning the Dutch Darts Championship and Players Championship 14, as well as reaching the World Masters final.

Four-times major winner Clayton also reached the semi-finals of the UK Open, World Matchplay and World Grand Prix this campaign.

However, the 51-year-old chases his first PDC TV title since 2021.

Image by Taylor Lanning.