Clayton Claims Dutch Darts Crown

Welsh wizard Jonny Clayton reigned supreme in Rosmalen, claiming the 2025 Dutch Darts Championship with an 8–6 victory over rising German star Niko Springer to secure his third Euro Tour title.

Twelve months ago, The Ferret suffered heartbreak on this very stage, losing the final to Josh Rock. But that is now a distant memory as Clayton delivered a last session masterclass to grab the glory and make amends.

It seems there’s something in the North Brabant air that agrees with him. Just a month ago, Clayton triumphed in Rosmalen on the Pro Tour, suggesting the town may want to consider twinning with Llanelli.

The decorated Welshman got his afternoon off to a flyer, posting a thumping average just shy of 107 to see off home favourite Danny Noppert 6–4. To be fair to The Freeze, he was equally magnificent, actually edging Clayton’s average by a whisker but a commanding 3–0 start from Jonny left the Dutchman with too much mountain, not enough oxygen.

Standing between the 50-year-old and a second straight Dutch final was none other than world number one Luke Humphries. And after three legs, Cool Hand was in the same boat as Noppie – leaking heavily. Humphries rallied well to snatch a 4–3 lead, but The Ferret did what ferrets do best: he burrowed deep and emerged victorious, 7–5.

Waiting in the final was Niko Springer – a breakout star of the weekend. The 24-year-old from Mainz had dismantled countryman Ricardo Pietreczko 6–2 in his opening match of the evening with a dazzling 107 average, then saw off a below-par Wessel Nijman to become just the fourth German to reach a Euro Tour final. Not bad for a lad who before this weekend hadn’t even made it to the last day.

The final didn’t start ideally for Clayton, who quickly found himself 3–0 down. But in typical fashion, he switched gears, levelled at 5–5, and then applied the squeeze. Despite Springer nicking one more leg, the veteran closed it out 8–6 to complete his Euro Tour hat-trick and give Welsh darts fans a boost ahead of the World Cup.