Jonny Clayton Denied Despite Epic World Masters Comeback

By David Parsons

Jonny Clayton produced an inspired comeback to threaten Luke Humphries but it was not quite enough to claim the World Masters title.

Welsh star Clayton rallied from 5-2 down but eventually lost 6-5 victory in a dramatic last-leg decider in Milton Keynes.

World number one Humphries appeared to be in complete control at 5-2, but Clayton fought back superbly, winning three consecutive sets to take the match to a nail-biting finale.

With everything on the line, Humphries finally landed double 20 to secure the £100,000 prize and his seventh major title in 15 months.

“That double top – my head was shaking, my heart was pounding before it went in,” said Humphries.

“When it went to 5-5, I’m not a negative person but I thought the game might have gone for me there.”

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Jonny Clayton Luke Humphries

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Clayton, a former Masters champion, had impressed throughout the tournament, notably defeating reigning world champion Luke Littler in the quarter-finals.

“I thought at the end I might win but it just wasn’t my day,” said the 50-year-old Welshman.

“Games like that, you need a winner, one has to lose and that’s a shame. But all credit to Luke, fantastic person, fantastic player, so fair play to him.”

Humphries’ road to the title saw him dispatch Danny Noppert 5-2 in the semi-finals, while Clayton had produced a similarly dominant display against Dimitri Van den Bergh.

The Belgian had earlier delivered a nine-dart finish in his quarter-final victory over Michael van Gerwen but fell short against Clayton.

CLAYTON STUNS LITTLER

A devastating display of finishing from Jonny Clayton as he defies a 108 average from Luke Littler to claim a 4-2 win.

He’s into the Semi-Finals in Milton Keynes!

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— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 2, 2025

Humphries acknowledged the challenge posed by Clayton, admitting he had struggled with nerves as his opponent mounted a comeback.

“I think I was a bit fortunate there, I started to feel the nerves in the end,” Humphries admitted.

“When I was 5-2 up and missing doubles, I was trying too hard to close the game out and Jonny was coming back.”

Humphries’ triumph comes after his early exit from the World Championship in December, making this victory all the more significant in his quest to reaffirm his status as the world’s top player.

Clayton’s route to the final included a superb 4-2 win over Littler, whose exceptional campaign ended in the last eight.

The teenager struggled with finishing, hitting just seven of his 20 attempts on doubles as Clayton capitalised with clinical efficiency.

Elsewhere, defending champion Stephen Bunting was edged out 4-3 in a last-leg thriller by Noppert, who later fell to Humphries. Australian Damon Heta was no match for Humphries in their opening encounter, going down 4-1.

Despite his heartbreak in the final, Clayton left the tournament with his head held high, vowing to return stronger.

“He was running away with everything, but I didn’t give up,” he said.

“I wanted to give him a great game, but it was not my day. It was Luke’s and he is a class act. He is a fantastic person and fantastic player.”

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