Clayton is back to his best as he reigns at the Dutch Darts Championship “This is a great feeling”

Jonny Clayton won his third European Tour victory by defeating Niko Springer 8-6 in Sunday’s Elten Safety Shoes Dutch Darts Championship final.

Clayton, the runner-up to Josh Rock in last year’s final, rallied from 3-0, 4-1, and 5-2 down to deny Springer his first senior ranking victory in a thrilling match.

The Welshman also extended his love affair with Rosmalen, extending his winning streak at the Autotron to 12 matches after winning the Players Championship at this venue in April.

“This is a great feeling,” reflected Clayton, who becomes the new world number five after lifting his first big stage title since June 2023.

“I missed out to Josh Rock last year and I’ve gone one better this year. I’ve also had a ProTour win in Rosmalen, so this may be my new lucky home!

“What a player Niko is. He’s got such a big future. He’s a great lad with a great attitude, and he shows it on that dartboard.

“I came back somehow, and then I managed to get ahead and stay ahead. I’m so pleased to get over the line; it’s brilliant.”

Clayton started the day in spectacular fashion, overcoming a 4-1 deficit to defeat former European Champion Ross Smith, before averaging over 106 and crashing in seven 180s to defeat home favourite Danny Noppert.

The 50-year-old continued his march to the crown with a thrilling semi-final triumph over top seed Luke Humphries, despite missing double 12 for a nine-darter in the closing stages of the match.

Springer took the early lead in Sunday’s final with legs of 12, 13, and 15, but Clayton remained unfazed, levelling at five apiece with a three-leg blitz of his own.

Clayton then followed up a 13-dart break with a clutch 91 checkout to move to the edge of victory at 7-5, before defying a brief resurgence from the young German.

Despite missing out on his first large stage championship, Springer performed admirably throughout the weekend, becoming the fourth German player to reach a European Tour final.

After winning three matches in the Tour Card Holder Qualifier to earn his spot in Rosmalen, the 24-year-old defeated Jermaine Wattimena and third seed Stephen Bunting to get to the finals.

His breakout run continued with victories against fellow countrymen Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko, before he defeated Wessel Nijman in the semi-finals, confirming his place as one of the sport’s most promising prospects.

I think in the beginning I started strongly, but to be honest, Jonny came back very well,” conceded Springer, a three-time winner on the Development Tour.

“I was under a lot of pressure. This was my first [senior] final, and I will learn a lot from this.

“I’m very happy with the way I performed. It’s a huge achievement for me, and hopefully in the future I will win one of these titles.”

Nijman also broke new ground at home, defeating Berry van Peer, Peter Wright, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and Ryan Searle to reach his first European Tour semi-final.

The young Dutchman was joined in the last four by world number one Humphries, who built on his deciding-leg victory over Cameron Menzies with a string of outstanding performances on Finals Day.

Humphries averaged 104 to defeat his former World Cup partner Michael Smith in Sunday’s first round, then outscored William O’Connor with a 108.72 average in the final eight.

O’Connor made the quarter-finals alongside Searle, Pietreczko, and Noppert, who averaged 107 in his defeat to Clayton.

Clayton is back to his best as he reigns at the Dutch Darts Championship 

Sunday May 25

Afternoon Session

Third Round

Luke Humphries 6-0 Michael Smith

William O’Connor 6-3 Ritchie Edhouse

Jonny Clayton 6-5 Ross Smith

Danny Noppert 6-5 Damon Heta

Ryan Searle 6-0 Mickey Mansell

Wessel Nijman 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Niko Springer 6-2 Martin Schindler

Ricardo Pietreczko 6-5 Daryl Gurney

Evening Session

Quarter-Finals

Luke Humphries 6-3 William O’Connor

Jonny Clayton 6-4 Danny Noppert

Wessel Nijman 6-1 Ryan Searle

Niko Springer 6-2 Ricardo Pietreczko

Semi-Finals

Jonny Clayton 7-5 Luke Humphries

Niko Springer 7-3 Wessel Nijman

Final

Jonny Clayton 8-6 Niko Springer