‘I felt down.. I just didn't want to play' – Ex-Premier League champion nearly QUIT darts as he opens up on heartbreak
The Welshman enjoyed an great run at the World Matchplay, reaching the semi-finals where he was then knocked out by James Wade in an all-time classic clash.
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Their last four match went down as the longest ever semi-final in World Matchplay history, as 2023 runner-up Clayton fought back from 16-10 down to force a tiebreak.
The Machine eventually won it 20-18 to set up a final clash with eventual winner Luke Littler, who clinched glory with a 18-13 victory.
Despite narrowly missing out on a shot at the trophy, there were plenty of positives for Clayton to take from an impressive week in Blackpool.
The 'Ferret' thrashed world No.4 Stephen Bunting 16-7 to book his spot in the last four, which was his fourth major semi-final this year.
But Clayton was prepared to walk away from darts altogether after a tough period following the sudden death of his dad John in 2023 on the eve of a flight Down Under.
But after beating Bunting, the 50-year-old revealed he has now rediscovered his love of the sport.
He said: 'I've changed my mind! I've got the hunger back. I don't know what it is. I felt a bit down in darts, but I want to be one of the best.
'It hurts that I've dropped from world number five to nine with the rankings, but I'm climbing back up slowly. I want to be with the elite.
'When you're there, people respect you more than what they do when you are further down the rankings.
'If you're not playing well, no matter your ranking, people pick up on it.
Luke Littler sends Blackpool wild as he wins World Matchplay Darts
'But if you're playing well, it's a step in the right direction. I had to do a job against Stephen, and I did."
Clayton then opened up on how his tragic loss has affected him, as he admitted losing all motivation to play the sport.
The former plasterer added: 'I don't think I have hit top gear here yet.
"But I am back on the practice board and that is something I have not done for probably a year and a half.
'We all know two years ago with my dad passing I just did not want to play.
'I have a smile back on my face now and I have two kids who want me to do well.'
Clayton has certainly managed to bounce back this year, having picked up a Euro Tour title at the Dutch Darts Championship in May.
He also narrowly missed out on glory at the World Cup of Darts, as he and Wales team-mate Gerwyn Price were beaten 10-9 in the final by Northern Irish pair Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney.
The Welsh darts star is a four-time major winner, with all of these titles coming in 2021.
In one-year, Clayton tasted glory in the Premier League, World Masters, World Grand Prix and the World Series of Darts Finals.
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