Premier League Darts: Defending champion Jonny Clayton wins Night Two in Liverpool
Reigning Premier League champion Jonny Clayton goes one better than opening night, beating Joe Cullen to scoop the five points and £10k bonus; the Welshman defeated Michael Smith before recovering from 4-1 down to average 106 and defeat Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in a thrilling semi
Friday 11 February 2022 06:37, UK
Defending Premier League champion Jonny Clayton stamped his authority on the chasing pack by winning Night Two in style at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
The 47-year-old Welshman made up for his opening night final defeat to Peter Wright in Cardiff with a 6-4 victory over newcomer Joe Cullen.
"It means a lot to me to win in Liverpool, I support Liverpool FC so the city means a lot to me," said Clayton. "The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic, it's a shame we have to leave!
"I didn't play my best in the final but I got over the line and that's what counts.
"The game against Michael van Gerwen was hard work, I had to be at my very best to win that one.
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"I'm Premier League champion for a reason and I've got off to a good start this year, so long may it continue."
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Clayton had earlier battled back from 4-1 down to stun five-time champion Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in the first semi-final.
'The Ferret' reeled off five consecutive legs - including two 110 finishes - to complete a stunning victory over the Dutchman, with a 106.6 average and 67 per cent on the doubles.
The former world No 1 appeared in majestic form having earlier dismantled world champion Wright 6-1 in the opening match of the evening.
He sunk two double 18s for a huge 129 finish and a 3-1 lead before extending his advantage by taking out 94, but Clayton showed his class to turn a pulsating contest on its head and reach the final.
Meanwhile, Bradford thrower Cullen fought back from 5-2 down to beat world No 1 Gerwyn Price in a deciding leg shoot-out.
'The Rockstar' averaged 117.8 to win the last four legs, hitting two 180s and he didn't miss a dart at a double.
Earlier in the evening, Price pinned a marvellous 156 checkout in his 6-3 victory over Gary Anderson, while Cullen's 115 finish helped him on his way to his maiden Premier League win against James Wade.
Clayton sunk a 142 as he beat world championship finalist Michael Smith 6-3 before ending the night on a winning note.
The Premier League roadshow moves on to Belfast next Thursday, as Wright takes on Anderson in the pick of the quarter-final ties.
The night's other matches will also see Smith - the only player without a win so far this season - meet Price, Cullen take on Van Gerwen and Wade face Clayton as the £1m tournament continues.
Check out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts. We're back for more Premier League action from The SSE Arena, Belfast next Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports Arena.
