Jonny Clayton defeated Peter Wright, Michael van Gerwen, and Nathan Aspinall to win in Birmingham; The Brighton Centre hosts Night 11 of 17 individual venues on February 23 with the Play-Offs returning to The O2 in London on May 25
Friday 7 April 2023 06:58, UK
Jonny Clayton defeated a determined Peter Wright in a 6-5 final-leg decider in Birmingham to clinch back-to-back Premier League wins.
After a huge win in Berlin on Night Nine, Clayton was looking to perform once again and delivered, fighting back against each of Wright's two breaks of throws with two of his own before clinching the tie on tops to move into third position.
Clayton's consistency on the doubles throughout the night proved key as he averaged over 50 per cent, taking his chances and pouncing on the errors of Nathan Aspinall, Michael van Gerwen, and Wright.
Despite the loss, it was a huge night for Wright who had his most successful night in the 2023 Premier League so far after winning only one match in the previous nine nights.
After another victory, Clayton was more focused on the points on the board rather than his performance overall.
"I think I am riding my luck, to be honest," said Clayton.
"I feel OK. Not my best darts but I am getting through games and that is all that counts.
"I am just crossing my fingers that doubles are going in. My doubling seems to be OK.
"It is fantastic to see myself back in the top four.
"That is where I want to be. Jonny Clayton, finals week, top four."
Clayton sealed his spot in the final with a second consecutive win over Van Gerwen, beating the Dutchman 6-4 after taking four legs in a row.
As Van Gerwen struggled on the doubles, Clayton stayed strong, his 55 per cent average on them proving the difference.
Clayton also took his chances against a spirited Nathan Aspinall in a close 6-4 quarter-final as Aspinall couldn't back up two back-to-back maximums to bring the tie level at 5-5.
Aspinall's struggles on the doubles were laid bare as he couldn't finish off 51 and the Welshman pinned tops for the victory.
Wright showed nerves of steel to grind out a 6-5 decider against in-form Gerwyn Price in the night's second semi-final.
A perfectly-timed break of throw to gain a 4-2 lead gave Wright some confidence and from there, he managed to keep the Welshman at bay, pinning D5 with his final match dart for the win.
He had secured only his second win in the 2023 Premier League in emphatic style as he took six consecutive legs in a 6-1 victory over beat World Champion Michael Smith.
Spectacular 116 and 125 checkouts, pinning the bullseye twice, helped the Scotsman on his way as Smith struggled on the doubles.
In Thursday's other quarter-finals, Van Gerwen got off to a flying start with a 6-2 win against Chris Dobey as he broke the throw in the first leg, checking out on 101 to seal a 12-dart leg and set the tone.
Meanwhile, Price held off a Van den Bergh comeback to win their quarter-final in a 6-5 decider. After Price took the first three legs, the Belgian fought back to take the next three but the Welshman held his nerve and took the 11th leg on D12 for a semi-final spot.
The Premier League roadshow heads to the Brighton Centre on Thursday April 13 for Night 11 of the league phase.
In the opening clash of the evening, Dimitri Van den Bergh takes on Michael van Gerwen, before Chris Dobey clashes with Gerwyn Price.
Elsewhere, Peter Wright is up against Nathan Aspinall, with Jonny Clayton facing World Champion Michael Smith.
We're back for more Premier League Darts action from Brighton on Thursday, April 13- live on Sky Sports Action.
