Jonny Clayton beat compatriot Gerwyn Price 8-4 to win the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland. The Welshman defeated Gian van Veen and James Wade on his route to the final where he sealed his second World Series of Darts title with a 124-checkout finish on the bullseye. Clayton hit a 158-finish to assume a 3-0 lead and never relinquished the advantage, racing into a 7-1 lead before holding off a late, three-leg rally to avenge his defeat to Price in the 2022 final in Hamilton.
"It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner," Clayton reflected. "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. 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!" Last 16Best of 11 legsGerwyn Price 6-1 Mark CleaverRoss Smith 5-6 Adam LeekJames Wade 6-0 Kayden MilneJosh Rock 6-4 Simon WhitlockGian van Veen 6-1 Jonny TataJonny Clayton 6-5 Haupai PuhaDamon Heta 6-4 Ben RobbStephen Bunting 2-6 Raymond Smith Quarter-finalsBest of 11 legsGian van Veen 3-6 Jonny ClaytonJames Wade 6-4 Josh RockGerwyn Price 6-2 Damon HetaRaymond Smith 6-3 Adam Leek Semi-finalsBest of 13 legsJonny Clayton 7-2 James WadeGerwyn Price 7-2 Raymond Smith FinalBest of 15 legsJonny Clayton 8-4 Gerwyn Price Darts returns to Sky Sports with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix live from September 28 to October 4, where Luke Littler will be out to defend the title. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
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