Premier League Darts: Johnny Clayton Wins Night 2
Johnny Clayton wins Premier League night 2 after wins over Joe Cullen, Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith. ‘The Ferret’ takes home £10,000 and now sits top of the table after a successful night in Liverpool for the Welshaman.
Clayton opened the night with a dominant display over World Championship runner-up, Michael Smith, beating 'Bully Boy' 6-3. Clayton gained a small measure of revenge here for his epic World Championship defeat to Clayton a few months ago
In order to reach the final, Clayton came from 4-1 down to beat an in-form Michael van Gerwen 6-4, in what was probably match of the night.
Van Gerwen didn't do much wrong in the match against Clayton, with scores at just over a 105 average and only missing two out of a possible eight at his doubles however, Claytons scoring was just that bit better, averaging 106.64 as he secured his place in the final to face Joe Cullen.
MVG has been far from himself as of the last 18-months, however after dominant 6-1 win over World Champion Peter Wright in the opening match, it certainly looks like van Gerwen could be back to his best.
'The Rockstar' Joe Cullen booked his way to the final in only the second night of his first ever Premier League campaign. It was a clinical performance against James Wade in the opening round, beating 'The Machine' 6-3. Cullen averaged 94, hit four 180s and pinned six of his 10 darts at doubles but it was his performance against Gerwyn Price in the semi's that really made people take notice.
Price looked headed for the final at 5-2 up when Joe Cullen won the next four legs on the bounce to secure his place in the final, averaging almost a staggering 118 in the process.
The final wasn't a darting classic, however Johnny Clayton scrapped to a 6-4 victory over Premier League debutant Joe Cullen as 'The Ferret' looks to defend his Premier League title for another year.
"It means a lot to me to win in Liverpool, I support Liverpool FC so the city means a lot to me," said Clayton.
"The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic, it's a shame we have to leave! I didn't play my best in the final but I got over the line and that's what counts.
"The game against Michael van Gerwen was hard work, I had to be at my very best to win that one.
"I'm Premier League champion for a reason and I've got off to a good start this year, so long may it continue."
Premier League Results: Night two
M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Quarter-finals
Peter Wright 1-6 Michael van Gerwen
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Michael Smith
James Wade 3-6 Joe Cullen
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Gary Anderson
Semi-finals
Michael van Gerwen 4-6 Jonny Clayton
Joe Cullen 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Final
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Joe Cullen
