Jonny Clayton qualified for the second round at the Players Championship Finals on Friday afternoon. ‘The Ferret’ held a 4-0 lead against Stephen Burton, but eventually recorded a hard-fought 6-4 victory.

“Fair play to Stephen he got right back into the game,” Clayton responded afterwards to Online Darts. ”I don’t think I played my best darts, but I tried to keep pushing even when he got back into it. I’m just glad to finish that game with a win.”

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The duel between Clayton and Burton was originally scheduled for the program on Board 2, but was later moved to the main stage. That ultimately did not affect the preparation said the Welshman.

”They gave us enough notice you know, so you’ve got enough time to change. We were last on, so we did have plenty of time andi f it was short notice maybe it would be an issue but not with plenty of time.” In fact, the switch to the main stage probably benefitted Clayton. “It was brilliant. Good atmosphere, great crowd, it was brilliant.”

The Players Championship Finals is the last tournament prior to the World Darts Championship, where Clayton managed to reach the quarterfinals last year. Understandably, the Welshman has his sights somewhat set on Alexandra Palace.

”I’ve always got one eye on it, I need to get two eyes on it. So obviously yeah, looking forward to that but this weekend first,” he explains. “I’m very lazy but I am actually back on the dartboard. So yeah, that’s a bit of a change for me so I’m heading for the World Championships and hopefully I’m ready. I’m going to be trying my best.”