Published On: Sun, Feb 2nd, 2025
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Jonny Clayton makes thoughts clear on Luke Littler after World Masters upset | Other | Sport


Jonny Clayton was full of praise for Luke Littler after knocking him out of the Winmau World Masters to book his place in the semi-finals.

The reigning world champion had lost just one leg in his previous two matches but struggled to find his best form against Clayton, who upset the odds to claim a 4-2 victory.

A combination of heavy scoring and clinical finishing saw the Welshman come out on top, earning a last-four clash against Dmitri van den Bergh.

After his victory over Littler, he described the teenager as a ‘cracking guy’ and said he was delighted to beat him after being taught a few lessons in their previous meetings.

“Luke didn’t play his A-game but it’s a battle and I got over the line,” said Clayton on ITV Sport. “I’ve got a smile, a big smile. To be fair, cracking guy. Great dart player. He’s got a big future ahead of him.

“He’s given me a big lesson the last two games I’ve played against him. I’ve got one back, so yeah, good. I was just trying to concentrate, ‘please hit the treble 20!’. It went my way. All jokes aside, it went my way. It was my day.”

Clayton explained that his success on the doubles was the deciding factor, adding: “That’s what wins you games [the finishes]. As I say, trebles for show and doubles for dough.

“They’re going good so far, hope it carries on tonight and I can win this trophy. I’m relaxed, I’m enjoying the tournament and hopefully I can carry on.”

Stephen Bunting also slipped to a surprise defeat in the quarter-finals, losing at the hands of Danny Noppert after being taken to a deciding leg. He missed three match darts, giving his rival the chance to nail D8 for a narrow 4-3 victory.

“He had me under pressure from the off,” said Bunting. “Whether I’m ahead or 10-0 down, I always believe I’ve got the game to win, but Danny was unbelievable there and kept his head at the end.”

Luke Humphries managed to steer clear of an upset against Damon Heta, securing a comfortable 4-1 win after making a slight tweak to his throwing technique.

“I slowed down my throw just a little tiny bit and that seemed to work for me, so tonight when I come back I’m going to keep it there,” he explained.

“Now I can go back for a nice sleep, come back tonight and hopefully I can perform at those levels again and if I do then it’s going to take a good performance to beat me.”



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