Goldfinger, Andrew Gilding unquestionably possessed the Midas touch in Leicester this afternoon, finally securing a long-awaited maiden Players Championship title courtesy of a superb victory over Jonny Clayton.
Of course, this is hardly the East Anglian veteran’s inaugural moment of prestige – a UK Open crown already resides proudly upon his résumé – yet considering both his extraordinary longevity and unmistakable calibre, it feels almost inconceivable that this represented his first Pro Tour triumph.
Gilding came agonisingly close to achieving the feat earlier in the season at this very venue, comprehensively dismantled in the final by Gerwyn Price. This time, however, redemption arrived emphatically, overcoming another world class Welsh adversary to finally etch his name onto the Players Championship honours list.
It was far from a serene procession for the Norfolk thrower in the early stages. Victories over Wesley Plaisier, Mensur Suljović and Dirk van Duijvenbode all carried more than a tincture of jeopardy. Yet any lingering turbulence evaporated entirely against Jermaine Wattimena, whom Gilding dispatched via a ruthless and resounding whitewash.
The 55-year-old subsequently produced his most scintillating display of the afternoon, registering a sumptuous 103.82 average to eliminate the immensely impressive Challenge Tour leader Joe Hunt, before overcoming Ian White to secure his berth in the showpiece finale.
For Clayton, notable scalps en route to the final included German duo Niko Springer and Gabriel Clemens, alongside an early dethroning of Mervyn King, abruptly terminating the evergreen campaigner’s progress in round two.
Into the finale itself, and Goldfinger exploded from the blocks with remarkable authority, storming into an imperious 3-0 advantage. Clayton eventually opened his account, although Gilding continued to exude composure and clinical precision, stretching the lead to 6-1 and appearing increasingly destined to capture that elusive first Pro Tour title.
To Clayton’s immense credit he stuck in there but Gilding remained steadfast and unflustered under pressure, eventually crossing the finishing line before celebrating with what appeared to be an enormous exhalation of cathartic relief.
A triumph more than a decade in the making had finally materialised.Ironically, despite defeat in the final, this still represented Clayton’s most productive floor run of the 2026 campaign. The same accolade also applies to both Springer and White, whose respective journeys concluded at the semi-final stage.
Continuing the recurring theme of personal best performances throughout 2026, Callum Goffin reaching the quarter finals on just his third appearance this year proved another highly impressive subplot.
Congratulations are also due to Kim Huybrechts, who became the latest player to secure a coveted silver pin after producing a perfect leg during his victory over Tavis Dudeney.
Attention now swiftly returns to Leicester once again, where another double header of Players Championship action awaits next week alongside the latest Euro Tour qualifiers.
2026 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP – EVENT 16
Leicester, England (Wed 13 May)
Quarter-Finals
Callum Goffin 6-2 Ian White
Andrew Gilding 6-3 Joe Hunt
Stephen Bunting 6-3 Niko Springer
Jonny Clayton 6-2 Gabriel Clemens
Semi-Finals
Andrew Gilding 7-5 Callum Goffin
Jonny Clayton 7-6 Niko Springer
Final
Andrew Gilding 8-3 Jonny Clayton
—–Ends—–
Images: PDC
