Jonny Clayton admits it would be a 'dream come true’ to triumph on home soil when he headlines Night Two of the Cazoo Premier League in Cardiff on Thursday.
Clayton will make his homecoming in front of a sell-out crowd at the Cardiff International Arena tonight, with Welsh number one Gerwyn Price also set to star.
Price will take on Night One winner Chris Dobey in his last eight tie, while Clayton opens proceedings against World Champion Michael Smith in a blockbuster quarter-final clash.
The 2021 Premier League champion was beaten by an inspired Peter Wright in last year’s Cardiff final, and he’s confident of going one step better as he bids to ignite his campaign in style.
“The reception in Cardiff is always absolutely phenomenal,” said Clayton, making his third Premier League appearance on home soil.
“It can be a lonely place on stage when things don’t go your way, but to have your home crowd supporting you – that feeling is second to none.
“That is Welsh sport for you. Wherever we play we get great support. It’s nice to be back in Wales, in front of our home supporters and it’s going to be a fantastic night.”
The 48-year-old boasts a terrific record in the sport’s biggest roadshow, having defeated Jose de Sousa to lift the coveted title on his debut in 2021.
Clayton then became just the fourth player in Premier League history to top the league phase in last year’s showpiece, courtesy of night wins in Liverpool, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
“I really enjoy this event,” revealed Clayton, who has posted ton-plus averages in 22 of his 46 Premier League matches.
“You’re playing against the best players in the world and there’s nothing given to you on that stage; you have to produce your best darts.
“I think it’s a fantastic tournament and hopefully I can have another good run again this year.”
The Welshman is one of only two former champions included in this year’s eight-player line-up – alongside six-time winner Michael van Gerwen – who is eyeing a record-breaking seventh crown in 2023.
Clayton currently props up the Premier League table following his 6-2 defeat to Dimitri Van den Bergh in Belfast last week, although he’s in bullish mood ahead of his showdown against Smith.
“I couldn’t hit my doubles against Dimitri, and if you don’t hit your doubles, you don’t win matches,” conceded Clayton, who averaged 101 in defeat.
“My scoring was there, but my doubling wasn’t good enough and I need to rectify that, because usually my finishing is pretty good.
“I need the mojo back, but I think it is going to be my night. I’m feeling good. I cannot wait to get up on that stage!
“I’ve got the World Champion and world number one to start, so it’s not going to be an easy task, but there are no easy games in the Premier League.
“I played Michael here three years ago when I was a Challenger and he beat me 7-1, so tomorrow night I hope it’s revenge!”
Clayton could potentially play his World Cup of Darts partner Price in Thursday’s finale, with the pair on opposite sides of the draw.
Price claimed a brace of victories over his compatriot in the recent World Series events in Bahrain and Copenhagen, but Clayton would relish the chance to renew their rivalry in the Welsh capital.
“Could you imagine that?” quipped Clayton, who guided Wales to a maiden World Cup of Darts title alongside Price in November 2020.
“It’s going to be noisy there whatever happens, but if we have an all-Welsh final, I think it will raise the roof!
“I would love to win in Cardiff. It would be a dream come true. It would rank right up there as one of my best achievements, so hopefully it is my night.”
The 2023 Cazoo Premier League will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, Viaplay and VTM, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.
2023 Cazoo Premier League
Night Two - Thursday February 9
Cardiff International Arena
Quarter-Finals
Michael Smith v Jonny Clayton
Nathan Aspinall v Peter Wright
Gerwyn Price v Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Semi-Finals
Smith/Clayton v Aspinall/Wright
Price/Dobey v Van Gerwen/Van den Bergh
Final
v
All matches are best of 11 legs