Premier League Darts 2021: Jonny Clayton takes title at first attempt
- Published
Jonny Clayton was able to celebrate in front of almost 1,000 fans in Milton Keynes
Jonny Clayton claimed the Premier League Darts title at his first attempt by beating Jose de Sousa 11-5 in Friday's final in Milton Keynes.
'The Ferret' had earlier ended Michael van Gerwen's perfect Premier League semi-final record, edging the favourite 10-8 at the Marshall Arena.
Grand Slam of Darts champion De Sousa had won through 10-9 against last year's runner-up Nathan Aspinall.
But it was Welshman Clayton who took home the £250,000 first prize.
De Sousa had a chance to stay alive in the deciding game against his fellow debutant, after Clayton just missed double 16 on a 112 checkout.
But the Portuguese missed the bullseye as he went for a 127 finish and Clayton held his nerve to find double eight, after his first dart had hit single 16.
"Absolutely phenomenal - thank you to everyone who believes in me, it means a lot," Clayton told Sky Sports afterwards.
"I'm still back in work on Monday, but seriously it's absolutely massive. I love the game, I'm a lazy practiser but when I come up on here I try my very best.
"This means the absolute world to me. Wales is on the map, my little village is on the map. I have a few thank yous to all my sponsors who believe in me, my family, my kids, awesome.
"Most of all to the NHS who are willing to risk their health to save ours so thank you very very much, brilliant."
The 46-year-old had earlier reached the play-offs in his first PLD appearance, beating Dimitri van den Bergh 8-6 in a sudden-death battle for the final spot in front of a sell-out crowd of almost 1,000.
Earlier this year Clayton won his first individual televised PDC title, with that victory over Mervyn King in the Masters final qualifying him for his Premier League debut.
Clayton's £250,000 prize was by far the biggest payday so far for the council plasterer from Carmarthenshire.