Jonny Clayton claims revenge on Gerwyn Price in New Zealand Darts Masters final

JONNY CLAYTON defeated Gerwyn Price in the New Zealand Darts Masters final to lift his second World Series title of his career.

The pair met in the final four years which saw Price claim the title to deny his compatriot.

The Ferret raced into a 7-1 lead against Price before errors allowed The Iceman back in to threaten a comeback.

Clayton had the opportunity to throw at the bullseye to claim the title before deliberately hitting a big 18 to leave double 16, allowing Price to checkout 56 and prolong the match.

Speaking to Oche180, Clayton said of the incident: "It was a head freeze, definitely.

"I just thought I'll set it up. Why? I don't know I can't explain but I just thought hit an 18, you've got 32 left.

"Obviously I wasn't thinking straight but I think it was because of the lead that I didn't expect to have against Gezzy."

Clayton recently lost his spot as the Welsh No.1 after Price surged up the rankings by making the World Matchplay final, losing to eventual champion Luke Litter.

Price immediately joked on stage last month at his Welsh teammate's expense but Clayton warned after his win today that he would hunt his partner down.

He joked: "I respect Gezzy, he's a great dart player but he should respect his elders and give it [respect] back to me."

He added: "It's good to have that battle between ourselves. It's healthy in the game of darts.

"I'm going to be chasing him now big time again."

The Iceman had impressed before his final defeat, only dropping five legs across three games.

On stage he told commentator Dan Dawson: "For me just to win one game this week was fantastic with all the s**t I’ve gone through.

“The flight out here, everything that’s gone on.

“To get to a final, big tap on my back and I’ll be even better next week in Australia so thank you.”

The World Series returns August 21st with the Australian Darts Masters from Wollongong.

Action begins 1900 local time (1000 BST) with UK viewers able to watch live on ITV4.

Words: Connor Cain

Image: Taylor Lanning