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Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘I felt down.. I just didn't want to play' – Ex-Premier League champion nearly QUIT darts as he opens up on heartbreak
Darts ace explains how close he was with his dad FAMILY TRAGEDY 'I felt down.. I just didn't want to play' – Ex-Premier League champion nearly QUIT darts as he opens up on heartbreak Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMOTIONAL Jonny Clayton has revealed he came close to QUITTING darts as he struggled to cope with the death of his dad. 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Jonny Clayton has revealed he came close to quitting darts as he struggled to cope with the death of his dad Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 Clayton came narrowly close to making the final of the World Matchplay Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 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. READ MORE DARTS NEWS SMITH WOE Michael Smith health update as he undergoes blood tests and withdraws from events 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. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS '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.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
George Baldock drowned in pool day before he was due to fly home for son's birthday
Former Sheffield United star George Baldock died at his home in Athens last October and an inquest into his death heard no drugs or alcohol were found in his system Ex-Premier League star George Baldock drowned in the swimming pool at his Athens home just a day before he was due to fly home for his son's first birthday, an inquest into his death heard. Baldock, 31, was found dead in the Greek capital where he was plying his trade for Panathinaikos. The former Sheffield United defender had no drugs or alcohol in his system and there was no evidence of criminal activity, the court in Buckinghamshire was told. His death has been ruled an accident. The inquest also heard that Baldock had a very large heart 'that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrythmias' - an irregular heartbeat, either too fast or too slow. Baldock had played a club fixture just three days before the incident. His worried fiancee raised the alarm after failing to contact him, before the owner of the house he was living him found his body in the pool. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Baldock could not be saved. "George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person," his family said in a statement. "Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands. "We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son." Baldock came through the youth ranks at MK Dons and played 125 times for the club over an eight-year period, scoring twice and winning their player of the season award in 2015-16. He had loan spells at Northampton, Tamworth and Oxford while with the Dons, but he made his name at Bramall Lane after moving to Sheffield United in 2017. In seven years with the Blades, he established himself as a fan favourite scoring six times from right-back in 219 appearances. He helped United to the Premier League twice, finishing runners-up in the Championship in both 2018-19 and 2022-23. Baldock left for Panathinaikos in the summer of 2024 and played just four times for his new club before the tragic incident. He qualified to play for Greece through his grandmother and made his debut in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in June 2022. In all, he would earn 12 senior caps. Greece played against England at Wembley the day after his death with the match going ahead despite his grief-stricken teammates only learning of his passing the previous night. Tributes were paid before the game which Greece won 2-1. Baldock's shirt was held aloft after their first goal and following the full-time whistle.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Premier League star ‘drowned in pool in Greece on day before he was due to fly back to UK for son's first birthday'
No drugs or alcohol found in defender's system, inquest told FOOTIE TRAGEDY Ex-Premier League star 'drowned in pool in Greece on day before he was due to fly back to UK for son's first birthday' A FORMER Premier League star drowned in his pool in Greece on the day before he was due to fly back to the UK for his son's birthday, an inquest heard. George Baldock was discovered at his home in Athens in October where he had been living after signing for Panathinaikos. 3 George Baldock drowned in his pool in Athens Credit: PA A coroner today ruled the death of the 31-year-old, who had previously played for MK Dons and Sheffield United, was an accident. The inquest in Buckinghamshire was told no evidence of criminal activity was found by Greek police. A post mortem also found no drugs or alcohol in his system, with his cause of death given as drowning. It also showed Baldock had a very large heart "that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrythmias" - meaning his heart beat too fast or slow. The court heard the defender had played a club fixture just three days before the horror. Baldock had also tragically been due to fly home to the UK the following day to celebrate his son's first birthday. Previous reports said his worried partner had raised the alarm after she struggled to track him down. The owner of the house in the Glyfada area of Athens then discovered Baldock in the pool. Attempts were made to resuscitate the footballer but tragically he couldn't be saved. His family said: "George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person. "Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands. "We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son." Although he was born in England, Baldock played for Greece 12 times through his nan's heritage. After graduating from MK Dons' youth academy, he had stints at Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town. Baldock moved to Sheffield United in 2017 and made more than 219 appearances for the club. He earned the nickname Furious George due to his aggressive all-action style. The footballer left the club in 2024 to sign for Panathinaikos, where he made four appearances before his tragic death. Tributes flooded in for Baldock following the horror, including from Manchester United star Harry Maguire, who graduated through the Blades' youth team before leaving in 2014. He posted a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji. Panathinaikos said in a statement: "We are shocked by the loss of our George. "The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock." While Sheffield United said: "Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock. "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him. "The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George's family and friends." 3 Baldock had moved to Athens to play for Panathinaikos Credit: EPA
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
How Wimbledon hero Andy Murray could enter qualifying for The Open – but must pay £200 fee
ANDY MURRAY could qualify for golf's Open Championship next year. The two-time Wimbledon champion retired from tennis last summer after a legendary career. 3 Andy Murray could try and qualify for next year's Open Credit: Alamy But since hanging up his racquet, he has dusted off his golf clubs instead. And he has enjoyed a Murray, 38, shows not signs of slowing down in his pursuit of getting to scratch. He READ MORE ON THE OPEN And if he can get his handicap to 0.4 - and stump up the £200 fee - he could enter regional qualifying for next year's 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. Ex-Premier League footballers Jimmy Bullard and Peter Odemwingie both gave it a go in 2025 but did not progress. But Ryder Cup hero Ludvig Aberg threw his full support behind Murray's golf game. The Swede, 25, said: "He brings it up really nicely with the hands. Most read in Golf CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The club face is quite neutral, so it's not going to be biased whether he hits a draw or a fade. "Considering it's someone who played tennis at this level, it's pretty stinking good. Awkward moment fart noise stuns Open commentators into silence before pair burst out laughing The Open 2025 ONE of the most anticipated Opens in years is finally here. Can THE OPEN 2025 LIVE - Follow all the latest updates from Royal Portrush TIPS AND FREE BETS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW... The Open 2025 schedule and tee times TOP STORIES... "In any sport or any profession, whether it's golf or tennis or something else, you need to spend time on it. "The technique of golf is quite tricky, naturally, so you do need to spend a lot of time on it." Aberg - who shot a four-under 67 to move to -2 after round two of The Open - added to the "Man, I was impressed! "They told us to be as honest as we can but I just didn't know what to say. "I think he's going to be able to play really good golf in the future." 3 Ludvig Aberg was singing Murray's praises after watching his swing Credit: Getty 3
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
How Wimbledon hero Andy Murray could enter qualifying for The Open – but must pay £200 fee
ANDY MURRAY could qualify for golf's Open Championship next year. The two-time Wimbledon champion retired from tennis last summer after a legendary career. 3 Andy Murray could try and qualify for next year's Open Credit: Alamy But since hanging up his racquet, he has dusted off his golf clubs instead. And he has enjoyed a stunning year on the course by getting his handicap down to a reported 1.9. Murray, 38, shows not signs of slowing down in his pursuit of getting to scratch. He beat Carlos Alcaraz in their three-match mini-series during the Spaniard's run to the Wimbledon final. READ MORE ON THE OPEN HARRY PUTTER Thomas tries casting spell on ball in desperate attempt to nail birdie putt And if he can get his handicap to 0.4 - and stump up the £200 fee - he could enter regional qualifying for next year's 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. Ex-Premier League footballers Jimmy Bullard and Peter Odemwingie both gave it a go in 2025 but did not progress. But Ryder Cup hero Ludvig Aberg threw his full support behind Murray's golf game. The Swede, 25, said: "He brings it up really nicely with the hands. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The club face is quite neutral, so it's not going to be biased whether he hits a draw or a fade. "Considering it's someone who played tennis at this level, it's pretty stinking good. Awkward moment fart noise stuns Open commentators into silence before pair burst out laughing "In any sport or any profession, whether it's golf or tennis or something else, you need to spend time on it. "The technique of golf is quite tricky, naturally, so you do need to spend a lot of time on it." Aberg - who shot a four-under 67 to move to -2 after round two of The Open - added to the Daily Mail: "Hey, that swing was really good! Like it was really, really good! "Man, I was impressed! "They told us to be as honest as we can but I just didn't know what to say. "I think he's going to be able to play really good golf in the future." 3 Ludvig Aberg was singing Murray's praises after watching his swing Credit: Getty
