Llanelli’s Jonny Clayton has won his first European Tour title of the year, beating Luke Humphries 8-4 in the Swiss Darts Trophy final in Basel.
The final was level at 4-4 before Clayton took control. He won four legs in a row and finished it on a 46 checkout.
It is his first ranking title of 2026 and his fourth European Tour win overall. It also books his place at the Grand Slam of Darts in November.
Doubles the difference as Clayton edges Humphries in Basel final
On scoring alone there was nothing between them. Humphries averaged 101.75 to Clayton’s 101.68 and hit six 180s to Clayton’s four.
The doubles decided it. Clayton checked out at 61.54 per cent, while Humphries managed 22.22 per cent.
Clayton has beaten the former world champion before. He beat Humphries 6-1 in a Premier League nightly final in Nottingham earlier this year.
“If you want to win these trophies, you have to beat people like Luke”
Clayton was quick to credit his opponent after the final.
“It was a great game and a great game to be involved in. Luke on his doubles gave me the chance,” he said.
The world No. 5 said beating the best players is the only way to win silverware.
“If you want to win these trophies, you have to beat people like Luke. It is confidence and a spot in the Grand Slam,” he said.
“Winning my fourth, to win tournaments, you have to beat the best. You have to beat the boys on form and we were both on form.”
Clayton’s route past Rob Cross and Gian van Veen
On the way to the final, Clayton beat Rob Cross 6-4 in the third round and Karel Sedlacek 6-2 in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-final he beat Gian van Veen 7-4 with a 105 average.
The Dutchman knows Clayton well by now. Clayton beat van Veen in the final of Premier League night three in Glasgow back in February.
Looking back on the weekend, Clayton said: “I am lucky to get through that. It is always good to have confidence in any game of darts.”
Grand Slam of Darts next for the Llanelli star
The win guarantees Clayton a place at the Grand Slam of Darts in November.
Looking ahead, he said: “Who knows what happens. I feel good and I am enjoying my game.”
Earlier this year he played for Wales at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt alongside Nick Kenny, after Gerwyn Price pulled out.
Every Clayton result is on our Jonny Clayton page.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Premier League leader Clayton set for battle of the Lukes
Clayton’s 6-1 win over Humphries in Nottingham, and the Dublin showdown.
Clayton stuns Littler on way to winning Premier League night three
The Llanelli star beats Littler and van Veen in Glasgow.
Gerwyn Price pulls out of World Cup of Darts
Nick Kenny steps in to partner Clayton for Wales in Frankfurt.
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
