Despite Jonny Clayton’s slow start I was gratified to see my prediction of the final four in the Premier League came through in full.
Jonny’s turnaround was quite remarkable, to come from your worst game, averaging just 81, to then go to Berlin and go back-2-back in this Premier League deserved full credit.
Ultimately it seemed less likely that Jonny would replicate Joe Cullen’s efforts from 2022, when the rockstar grabbed fourth spot at the last gasp before going on to wire a dart for the title itself.
Jonny was having to take on the group stages best player and fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price and simply could not weather the storm of a 107+ average over the longer format.
A real positive to come from this year’s Premier League campaign was the turnaround in fortunes for Gerwyn Price. It was really his first good PL campaign and he ended up deservedly topping the group. Although he will be deeply disappointed to fall short, the positives are unmistakable.
Gezzy has done well all year, from the World Series event onward there were signs, and he really found his extra gears in the Premier League but has also won European Tours as well. The general positivity around him has resulted in the crowd leaving him to play, this results in his best form the attitude stays good and if it sticks like this there will be major titles this year, you can pretty much guarantee it.
There could be some big movements in the ranking later this year. The Covid period is being shaken out of the system and some big prize money is being defended. Peter Wright is having to defend a World Matchplay title this summer and plenty more besides.
There are also one or two players who would like to win majors again, in a more normal environment, if only to slam the myths that surround their titles.
I have been very impressed by the season that Ian White is having. To have a year like last year, where he didn’t even make the World Championships, but reverse things and prevent the kind of slide we have seen from others has impressed me. Talking to the Diamond recently he emphasised how he has gone back to basics, getting into as many events as possible first and taking it from there.
Next up on the major front will be one of my favourites. The World Matchplay being restricted to only the 32 best players over the past twelve months is a pleasure to work on. Could Dirk van Duivenbode break through and get that major win or will Gerwyn finally crack the case after his close call last year…
—–ENDS—–
Images: Winmau
Mark Webster is a former WDF World champion World Cup Singles winner and PDC major finalist. He is sponsored by Monarch Water and Winmau
Grab a 50th Anniversary Darts World package 581 here or the most recent print Issue 583 here :
The Darts World 50 limited edition dart set is available to order (Here) in your choice of pack/bundle.
Also Available Free: Darts World Extra 12 – The Hard Way
Catch up with our digital publication and read or download Darts World Extra 12 here
Darts World Magazine‘s fantastic value bundles:
Subscribe or purchase your copy
