The winner of that blockbuster quarter final will take on either Josh Rock or fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price in the second semi-final, with the possibility of facing World number one Luke Littler in the final if “the Nuke” defeats Stephen Bunting and Michael van Gerwen.
Having played through the pain barrier with a case of gout to gain victory in Nottingham last time out, Clayton, who has two nightly titles and a Cardiff final in the last four weeks, missed the weekend’s European Darts Trophy in Germany after a flare-up.
But fresh from the 6-1 demolition of Humphries, averaging 99.59 in the final to claim the £10,000 nightly prize, the man known as “the Ferret”, is relishing facing the former World Champion, who is still seeking his first nightly win of 2026.
The 51-year-old, who won the 2021 title on debut, said: “I didn’t expect to be on top of the league after Night Six – I was expecting to have eight points in total!
“Two nightly wins in the first six weeks, it’s brilliant. I wasn’t expecting to do so well, but it’s happening. I’m looking for two points week-in, week-out, and anything else is a bonus.
“I know what it’s about, getting the points in early. It’s not a bad start, and hopefully it can carry on.
“I know that Luke will be coming out all guns blazing in Dublin as well, but my aim is just to win two points. I don’t care who I play against, I need two points on that board.
“It’s my favourite tournament, I love it. Hopefully I’m proving why I should be in it, and my darts are doing the talking.”
The world number five recognises that this year’s competition is exceptionally strong with world number one Littler and Humphries in the mix.
“I think it’s the most competitive Premier League I’ve been in,” confessed Clayton. “It’s a good thing – we are all taking points off each other, it makes it more exciting.
“Making the quarter-finals of the UK Open, I’m doing something right. I’m in the latter stages of competitions, and that’s where I want to be.
“Although I’m league leader, I’ve still got to attack – at the end of the day, you’ve got to get as many points as you possibly can.”
Premier League Darts – Week 7 odds
Find the latest Premier League Darts – Week 7 betting odds here, odds courtesy of Betway and are subject to change.
- Luke Littler – 4/6
- Luke Humphries – 5/1
- Jonny Clayton – 13/2
- Gerwyn Price – 9/1
- Gian van Veen – 11/1
- Michael van Gerwen – 14/1
- Stephen Bunting – 33/1
- Josh Rock – 100/1
