Jonny Clayton produced a devastating display of finishing to defeat his fellow countryman Gerwyn Price 8-4 and clinch his maiden SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters crown on Saturday.
The Welshman celebrated his second World Series of Darts title with a trio of superb performances on Finals Day in Auckland, overcoming Gian van Veen, James Wade and Price to take the title in front of an incredible 5,000 fans at the Spark Arena.
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Clayton had succumbed to Price in the 2022 showpiece back in Hamilton, but this time he gained sweet revenge against his World Cup partner.
The 51-year-old was irrepressible in the opening stages of Saturday’s final, converting 72, 158, 80 and 62 checkouts to establish a commanding 5-1 cushion.Clayton then capitalised on some errant doubling from Price to stretch his lead to 7-1.
Price mounted a three-leg flurry in response, but Clayton remained composed and sealed the deal with a magnificent 124 checkout on the bull to secure the trophy.
“It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner,” reflected Clayton, who had recovered from 4-2 down to edge past Haupai Puha on Friday.
“It just shows that two rugby boys can play darts, and to play against each other in the world of rugby here in New Zealand, I’ve got a smile on my face.
“I really enjoyed that. It’s 1-1 now, so next year – winner takes all!
“I’m looking forward to Wollongong next week. Hopefully the sun will shine on me and I can lift another trophy!”
Clayton’s path to the title began with an impressive 6-3 success against top seed Gian van Veen. He converted six of his seven attempts at double to cap off a clinical performance that underlined his finishing prowess from the outset of Finals Day.
The world number five was similarly ruthless in his semi-final demolition of James Wade. Averaging just shy of 99 and pinning 70% of his attempts at double, Clayton completed a 7-2 thumping that left little doubt about his form heading into the final.
Price, meanwhile, had swept aside Australian duo Damon Heta and Raymond Smith to book his place in a first World Series final of 2026, having earlier eased past Mark Cleaver in Friday’s opening round.
The former world champion showed glimpses of his quality but struggled with his doubles against the inspired Clayton.
“I wasn’t great there. I missed a load of doubles, but take nothing away from Jonny – he played brilliantly,” conceded Price.
“For me, just to win one game this week was fantastic with everything I’ve gone through.
“To get to a final is a big tap on my back, and I’ll be even better next week in Australia.”
Earlier in the night, Raymond Smith prevailed in his all-Australian quarter-final against Adam Leek. Averaging almost 97 and converting 60% of his attempts at double, Smith capped off a polished display to reach the last four.
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The evening’s other quarter-final clash saw James Wade win through a topsy-turvy encounter against Josh Rock. Wade produced a 12-dart break at a crucial stage to seal his place in a second New Zealand Darts Masters semi-final, setting up the clash with Clayton that ultimately ended in a one-sided defeat.
Clayton’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his World Series career. Having previously tasted success on the circuit, the Welshman now adds the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters to his collection after a near-faultless Finals Day.
His clinical finishing, particularly those early checkouts that built an unassailable lead, proved the difference against a Price still finding his rhythm after a challenging period.
With the next stop on the World Series calendar in Wollongong just around the corner, both Welsh stars will be looking to build on their Auckland performances.
For Clayton, the smile was firmly in place as he lifted the trophy; for Price, the focus shifts to returning stronger in Australia.
The Spark Arena crowd witnessed a high-quality final that showcased the depth of Welsh talent on the oche, with Clayton ultimately standing tall as the new New Zealand Darts Masters champion.
Images: Stephen Parker/Photosport
