Jonny Clayton Ferrets Out World Grand Prix Spot After Storming Run To Final In Germany

Jonny ‘The Ferret’ Clayton booked his spot at the World Grand Prix after a superb run to the final of the German Championships.

The Pontyberem thrower claimed the scalp of reigning World Champ Peter Wright on his way to the final in Hildesheim.

But his hopes of a second PDC title were dashed after an 8-3 defeat to Devon Petersen, the South African who had ended Gerwyn Price’s 17-match unbeaten run in the second round.

But apart from the £10,000 runners-up cheque, the also earned that coveted place at the World Grand Prix finals next month.

“Devon is absolutely class and this is well deserved,” said Clayton.

“He’s been in tremendous form for months and he’s proven to the darting world that he’s on the map.

“For myself this weekend has been brilliant. I’ve enjoyed some good wins and the German crowd were great as always.”

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Clayton started the day by beating world champ Wright 6-3 for the first time in his career to book his place in the last eight.

And Clayton then saw off Dave Chisnall for the first time coming back from 5-3 down to reel off three successive legs.

Clayton cruised into the final with a crushing 7-3 win over Mervyn King in the semis.

Gerwyn Price saw his 17-match unbeaten run ended by eventual winner Petersen.

But Petersen – who had chances to beat Price and claim a maiden PDC title when they met in the final of the Autumn series in Germany – proved too strong in the final.

“Losing to Gerwyn at the Autumn Series spurred me on to win this title,” admitted Petersen after becoming the first African to win a PDC ranking crown.

“It’s an amazing feeling. To stand on this stage as a PDC champion in front of fans is just fantastic, it’s a very special night for me.”

Devon Petersen became the first African player to win a PDC ranking event at the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim on Sunday.