Latest news with #WorldMatchplayDarts
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I felt down.. I just didn't want to play' – Ex-Premier League champion nearly QUIT darts as he opens up on heartbreak
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. Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement READ MORE DARTS NEWS But Clayton was prepared to walk away from darts altogether after a tough period following the 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. Advertisement Most read in Darts Latest 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." Advertisement 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. Advertisement '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. Advertisement In one-year, Clayton tasted glory in the Premier League, World Masters, World Grand Prix and the World Series of Darts Finals.
Scottish Sun
17 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.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
What time is the Darts on TV? World Matchplay final timings
Don't miss any of the World Matchplay darts final action this evening 🎯 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The final of the World Matchplay Darts will take place today. Blackpool's Winter Gardens has been hosting the tournament. But how can you watch the dramatic conclusion? After more than a week of huge upsets, massive comebacks and more drama than you can shake a hat at, it is almost time for the final of the World Matchplay Darts. The tournament kicked-off last weekend and has lived up to all expectations. Blackpool's Winter Gardens has been the host of the tournament again in 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Reigning champion Luke Humphries was knocked out in the first round - meaning a different star will be lifting the trophy this year. The final is set to take place later today (July 27) and you might be wondering how to tune in. Here's all you need to know: Is the World Matchplay Darts on TV in 2025? Sky Sports will once again be providing coverage throughout the full eight days of the World Matchplay darts. The broadcaster has had the rights to the tournament ever since it began back in 1994. The broadcaster has confirmed its plans for the final today (July 27). Fans will want to make sure they get the right channel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you have a Now TV sports package subscription you can also watch the World Matchplay darts action through that. However it will not be on free-to-air TV. What time is World Matchplay on TV? World Matchplay Darts final takes place on July 27 |The coverage of the final at the Winter Gardens is set to begin at 7.30pm this evening, Sky has confirmed. It is a similar start time to the recent days, including quarter-final and semi-final nights. Sky's broadcast will continue through the rest of the evening and include the full final. The match itself is due to begin at 8.15pm, so there will be a bit of time for build-up on the TV. Which channel is World Matchplay darts on? Sky Sports will be showing tonight's (July 27) action live on two of its channels. It will be on Main Event/ HD as well as on Sky Sports+. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It will be live on both channels from 7.30pm, it will also be available to watch on Now TV if you have a sports package. To find the final simply head to the sports tab on the app. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
What time is the Darts on TV? World Matchplay final timings
Don't miss any of the World Matchplay darts final action this evening 🎯 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The final of the World Matchplay Darts will take place today. Blackpool's Winter Gardens has been hosting the tournament. But how can you watch the dramatic conclusion? After more than a week of huge upsets, massive comebacks and more drama than you can shake a hat at, it is almost time for the final of the World Matchplay Darts. The tournament kicked-off last weekend and has lived up to all expectations. Blackpool's Winter Gardens has been the host of the tournament again in 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Reigning champion Luke Humphries was knocked out in the first round - meaning a different star will be lifting the trophy this year. The final is set to take place later today (July 27) and you might be wondering how to tune in. Here's all you need to know: Is the World Matchplay Darts on TV in 2025? Sky Sports will once again be providing coverage throughout the full eight days of the World Matchplay darts. The broadcaster has had the rights to the tournament ever since it began back in 1994. The broadcaster has confirmed its plans for the final today (July 27). Fans will want to make sure they get the right channel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you have a Now TV sports package subscription you can also watch the World Matchplay darts action through that. However it will not be on free-to-air TV. What time is World Matchplay on TV? World Matchplay Darts final takes place on July 27 |The coverage of the final at the Winter Gardens is set to begin at 7.30pm this evening, Sky has confirmed. It is a similar start time to the recent days, including quarter-final and semi-final nights. Sky's broadcast will continue through the rest of the evening and include the full final. The match itself is due to begin at 8.15pm, so there will be a bit of time for build-up on the TV. Which channel is World Matchplay darts on? Sky Sports will be showing tonight's (July 27) action live on two of its channels. It will be on Main Event/ HD as well as on Sky Sports+. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It will be live on both channels from 7.30pm, it will also be available to watch on Now TV if you have a sports package. To find the final simply head to the sports tab on the app.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Luke Littler hits sensational nine-darter to spark comeback win against Josh Rock and reach World Matchplay Darts final
Littler and Rock were looking to book a final date with James Wade LITTLER'S ROCK SOLID Luke Littler hits sensational nine-darter to spark comeback win against Josh Rock and reach World Matchplay Darts final Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER produced the most PERFECT leg in history as he reached his first World Matchplay final. The teen sensation beat pal Josh Rock 17-14 in the semi-final in a Winter Gardens classic. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Luke Littler celebrates hitting a nine-darter Credit: Getty 4 Josh Rock came out of the blocks flying Credit: Getty 4 Littler didn't always have things his own way during the Blackpool contest Credit: Getty In the eighth leg of the match, both players hit 180s with their opening six darts. Then Littler sent the Winter Gardens wild with a 141 finish on double 12 to seal the most perfect leg in history. It rivals the famous Michael Smith and Michael Van Gerwen 'perfect' leg in the 2023 World Championship final - but on that occasion MVG missed a dart at a double. Best pals Littler and Rock celebrated the magic moment together on stage as the crowd chucked their beers into the air as history was made. It was also a Matchplay record with 29 180s in one match. Littler said: 'The nine definitely sparked me into life. I didn't want to give it big. I was playing awful. 'Everyone knows about the triple crown. But James (Wade) you can't put anything past him, he's been playing brilliant darts. 'Having that winning feeling over him at the UK Open it will give me some confidence. I've been in many finals and won majors but this is the big one now.' BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 4 James Wade won a marathon match vs Jonny Clayton Credit: Getty Earlier in the day, Wade admitted he 'hated every minute' as he reached his SEVENTH World Matchplay final. The World No.8 was cruising at 16-10 ahead before a fierce Jonny Clayton fightback to take it to a tie-break at 16-16. Luke Littler sends blunt message to Gary Anderson as darts star hits back at 'boring' jibe But Wade somehow found an extra gear to take out double nine to win a marathon encounter 20-18. Wade said: 'I'm just done. There's two amazing, wonderful dart players in the world. That's Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, forget what you see with all the others. They are the nicest two men in darts. 'I've just watched up there and I averaged 102. Flabbergasted! 'Unfortunately with darts today you are surrounded by great players that are full of massive talent. 'I just think Jonny let me off at the last minute. But to be fair I let him off before that. 'I'm exhausted after that. I thought that was a good game. When I saw the averages I didn't think it was that good. 'I hope the crowd enjoyed themselves. I hated every single minute of it.'
