Reigning Premier League champion Jonny Clayton goes one better than opening night, winning the final 6-4 against Joe Cullen to scoop the five points and GBP10k bonus
Last Updated: 10/02/22 11:36pm
Defending Premier League champion Jonny Clayton stamped his authority on the chasing pack by winning Night Two in style at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
The 47-year-old Welshman made up for his night-one final defeat to Peter Wright last week with a 6-4 victory over newcomer Joe Cullen.
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Clayton says he makes darts hard for himself, revealing ‘me and maths don’t get on’ after battling through to claim Premier League honours in Liverpool
Clayton had earlier battled back from 4-1 down to stun five-time champion Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in the first semi-final.
‘The Ferret’ reeled off five consecutive legs – including two 110 finishes – to complete a stunning victory over the Dutchman, with a 106.6 average and 67 per cent on the doubles.
The former world No 1 appeared in majestic form having earlier dismantled world champion Wright 6-1 in the opening match of the evening.
He sunk two double 18s for a huge 129 finish and a 3-1 lead before extending his advantage by taking out 94, but Clayton showed his class to turn a pulsating contest on its head and reach the final.
Better than last week but still not the win I wanted. Well done to @JonnyClay9 it was a phenomenal game. I know my game is close, now for the Pro Tour this weekend.
Thank you for all the support tonight in Liverpool ?? pic.twitter.com/ZD3MhgIafh
Meanwhile, Bradford thrower Cullen fought back from 5-2 down to beat world No 1 Gerwyn Price in a deciding leg shoot-out.
‘The Rockstar’ averaged 117.8 to win the last four legs, hitting two 180s and he didn’t miss a dart at a double.
Earlier in the evening, Price pinned a marvellous 156 checkout in his 6-3 victory over Gary Anderson, while Cullen’s 115 finish helped him on his way to his maiden Premier League win against James Wade.
Clayton sunk a 142 as he beat World Championship finalist Michael Smith 6-3 before ending the night on a winning note.
Check out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts. We’re back for more Premier League action from The SSE Arena, Belfast next Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports Arena.