Jonny Clayton wins in Auckland sealing victory at the New Zealand Darts Masters “I really enjoyed that. It’s 1-1 now, so next year – winner takes all!
Jonny Clayton wins in Auckland sealing victory at the New Zealand Darts Masters “I really enjoyed that. It’s 1-1 now, so next year – winner takes all!
Jonny Clayton produced a sensational display of finishing to defeat fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price 8-4 and claim his maiden SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters title on Saturday.
The 51-year-old completed a memorable weekend in Auckland with three impressive victories on Finals Day, overcoming top seed Gian van Veen, James Wade and Price to secure his second World Series of Darts title.
Clayton was denied by Price in the 2022 final in Hamilton, but the Welshman gained revenge in front of a magnificent 5,000-strong crowd at Spark Arena.
The 2021 Premier League champion exploded out of the blocks in Saturday’s showpiece, producing checkouts of 72, 158, 80 and 62 to race into a commanding 5-1 lead.
Price was unable to find his range on the doubles as Clayton extended his advantage to 7-1, although the former World Champion responded with three consecutive legs to briefly threaten a remarkable comeback.
Clayton remained composed, however, and sealed victory in spectacular fashion by taking out 124 on the bullseye to complete a clinical triumph.
“It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner,” reflected Clayton, who had recovered from 4-2 down to defeat Haupai Puha in Friday’s opening round.
“It just shows that two rugby boys can play darts, and to play against each other in the world of rugby here in New Zealand, I’ve got a smile on my face.
“I really enjoyed that. It’s 1-1 now, so next year – winner takes all!
“I’m looking forward to Wollongong next week. Hopefully the sun will shine on me and I can lift another trophy!”
Clayton had begun Finals Day with a clinical 6-3 victory over top seed Van Veen, converting six of his seven attempts at double to book his place in the semi-finals.
The Welshman produced another ruthless display against Wade, averaging just shy of 99 and converting 70% of his darts at double to complete a commanding 7-2 victory.
Price, meanwhile, battled through the opposite side of the draw to reach his first World Series final of 2026.
The Welsh number two defeated Australian duo Damon Heta and Raymond Smith on Finals Day, having previously dispatched Mark Cleaver in Friday’s opening round.
“I wasn’t great there. I missed a load of doubles, but take nothing away from Jonny – he played brilliantly,” admitted Price.
“For me, just to win one game this week was fantastic with everything I’ve gone through.
“To get to a final is a big tap on my back, and I’ll be even better next week in Australia.”
Earlier in the evening, Smith completed an impressive run to the semi-finals by defeating fellow Australian Adam Leek in their quarter-final showdown.
Smith averaged almost 97 and converted 60% of his attempts at double to continue his memorable campaign on home-region soil.
Wade, meanwhile, survived a topsy-turvy battle against Josh Rock, producing a crucial 12-dart break of throw to secure his place in the last four.
The World Series of Darts roadshow now heads across the Tasman Sea for its final event of the summer, with the KenoGO Australian Darts Masters taking place at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on August 21-22.
The World Series of Darts Finals will then bring the season to a spectacular conclusion in Amsterdam from September 17-20, when 32 players will battle for silverware in the Dutch capital.
Jonny Clayton wins in Auckland sealing victory at the New Zealand Darts Masters
2026 SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters
Saturday August 15
Quarter-Finals
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Gian van Veen
James Wade 6-4 Josh Rock
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Damon Heta
Raymond Smith 6-3 Adam Leek
Semi-Finals
Jonny Clayton 7-2 James Wade
Gerwyn Price 7-2 Raymond Smith
Final
Jonny Clayton 8-4 Gerwyn Price
