Jonny Clayton’s impressive performance at the 2026 Paddy Power World Darts Championship has significantly impacted the Premier League Darts rankings. The Welsh star, known as “The Ferret,” has risen to World No. 4 after a vital win against Andreas Harrysson.
Clayton Advances in Championship
On New Year’s Day, Clayton navigated through a challenging match, securing his spot in the quarter-finals. This victory marks his return to the last-eight stage for the second consecutive year at the prestigious Alexandra Palace in London.
Rankings Implications
Clayton’s success in the tournament has positioned him favorably in the provisional rankings. He currently holds the last automatic place in the Premier League Darts for the upcoming season, provided no lower-ranked players like Ryan Searle claim victory in the remaining matches.
- Clayton’s current ranking: World No. 4
- Key opponent in the quarter-finals: Ryan Searle
- Total weeks in Premier League: 17
Clayton’s Perspective
Following his latest match against Niels Zonnerveld, Clayton expressed his eagerness to return to the Premier League. He stated, “I’d be a liar to say I don’t want to be back in the Premier League. I love it.” Clayton acknowledged his need to perform consistently after a few challenging years.
Challenges Faced by Opponent
Although Harrysson put up a formidable fight, he fell short due to missed opportunities during critical moments of the match. His defeat leaves him outside the top 64, impacting his hopes of securing a PDC Tour Card for the next two years.
Clayton noted the pressure of the match, admitting that while he faced difficulties in his performance, he was relieved to come through victorious. He emphasized the mental aspect of competing in darts, saying, “Darts is cruel… but thank God I’ve done alright today.”
As the championship progresses, all eyes will be on Clayton as he aims to solidify his position in the Premier League and continue his upward trajectory in professional darts.
