Reigning Premier League champion Jonny Clayton goes one better than opening night, beating Joe Cullen to scoop the five points and £10k bonus; the Welshman defeated Michael Smith before recovering from 4-1 down to average 106 and defeat Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in a thrilling semi
Last Updated: 10/02/22 11:51pm
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.
“It means a lot to me to win in Liverpool, I support Liverpool FC so the city means a lot to me,” said Clayton. “The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic, it’s a shame we have to leave!
“I didn’t play my best in the final but I got over the line and that’s what counts.
“The game against Michael van Gerwen was hard work, I had to be at my very best to win that one.
“I’m Premier League champion for a reason and I’ve got off to a good start this year, so long may it continue.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
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
Premier League – Night 2 in Liverpool Results
| Quarter-finals | Peter Wright | 1-6 | Michael van Gerwen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Clayton | 6-3 | Michael Smith | |
| James Wade | 3-6 | Joe Cullen | |
| Gerwyn Price | 6-3 | Gary Anderson | |
| Semi-finals | Michael van Gerwen | 4-6 | Jonny Clayton |
| Joe Cullen | 6-5 | Gerwyn Price | |
| Final | Jonny Clayton | 6-4 | Joe Cullen |
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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Van Gerwen took out this 129 checkout with two double 18s in his thrilling clash against Clayton
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— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) February 10, 2022
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.
Here’s how the table looks after Night Two…
Night 3 – The SSE Arena, Belfast – February 17
| Quarter-Finals | Michael Smith vs Gerwyn Price |
|---|---|
| Joe Cullen vs Michael van Gerwen | |
| Gary Anderson vs Peter Wright | |
| James Wade vs Jonny Clayton |
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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘The Iceman’ nailed this fantastic 156 finish during his victory over Gary Anderson
Clayton sunk a 142 as he beat World Championship finalist Michael Smith 6-3 before ending the night on a winning note.
The Premier League roadshow moves on to Belfast next Thursday, as Wright takes on Anderson in the pick of the quarter-final ties.
The night’s other matches will also see Smith – the only player without a win so far this season – meet Price, Cullen take on Van Gerwen and Wade face Clayton as the £1m tournament continues.
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.
