Clayton Hungry For More Success

Clayton celebration

JONNY CLAYTON is hungry for more success after winning his first PDC European Tour title at the Austrian Darts Open in Graz.

Clayton, who won his first PDC ranking title at Players Championship 22 in Barnsley last October, has now qualified for the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and European Championship later this year.

The Welsh star is keen to use last weekend’s success as a springboard to more titles and believes there is no limit to what he can achieve this year.

“I’d like to have more success on the back of this win,” said Clayton, who came runner-up in last year’s Players Championship Finals.

“Last weekend was great for me, I’m so happy to have won my first European Tour title and now I want to add more.

Jonny Clayton (PDC Europe)

“I’ve set myself a target of getting into the top 16, which I am a little bit closer to now but who knows how far I could go.

The Pontyberem ace now has his sights set on making his mark in televised tournaments and there is one event in particular the Welshman can’t wait to play in.

“I’ve never played in Blackpool at the World Matchplay so I’m really looking forward to that one,” Clayton added.

“All the players always say the Winter Gardens stage is awesome to play on so that’s top of my list.

“I’m in my fourth year playing in the PDC now, and it’s been a real learning curve.

“I’ve learned so much from all the players and I feel confident that my approach to the TV tournaments will be spot on.”

Clayton could also be in line to represent Wales at the World Cup of Darts next month, a prospect the world number 25 is relishing.

“The chance to play in the World Cup would be brilliant and it’s something I would love to do, so I would be chuffed to bits about that if it happens.

“I need to be more consistent. I have ups and downs, I’ve been struggling for the last couple of weeks so I just want to keep things on track and hopefully more success will come.”

The 43-year-old beat one of his potential World Cup of Darts partners Gerwyn Price 8-5 in Sunday’s final and was full of praise for his fellow-Welshman.

“I had to hold my nerve in the final against Gezzy, I have lots of respect for him as a player and a person.

“I didn’t play my best game in the quarters and semis but I had to get past two class acts in James Wade and Mensur Suljovic.

“It was a tough task to beat Mensur with 2,000 of his fans cheering him on so I was chuffed to bits to win that one and then finish the job in the final.”