World Matchplay Darts: Jonny Clayton wins thrilling contest to set up final against Nathan Aspinall | Darts news

Jonny Clayton went through a World Matchplay marathon with Luke Humphreys to set up a final against Nathan Aspinall.

Wales’ Clayton battled back in an epic encounter to seal a place in Sunday’s show, winning 10-7 17-15.

And Aspinall punished a scrappy display from Yorkshire to retain his title with a 17-9 win over Joe Cullen in the evening’s match.

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Watch Jonny Clayton seal his place in the World Matchplay final after defeating Luke Humphreys.

With very little separating the two players on the Winter Gardens stage, it was Clayton’s high payout percentage that proved the difference.

The 48-year-old, who helped Wales win a second World Cup of Darts with Gerwyn Price in Frankfurt last month, will now go in search of a first major title in 2021 after winning the Masters, Premier League and World Grand Prix.

“It means a lot to me,” said Clayton, who averaged 99-under and connected on 61% of her attempts in the doubleheader to upset Humphries, who hit a game-high 10 in the loss.

“It’s a great feeling to play against one of the best players in the world. Luke Humphreys keeps going and getting majors every time!

“I had to dig deep but you have to take a chance and that’s what I did and hopefully I can win this trophy tomorrow.

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Clayton says he won’t have any help when he meets Nathan Aspinall in the finals

Aspinall, who lost last year’s Grand Slam and Grand Prix finals, will now aim to go one better after getting past Cullen.

A 17-9 victory proved his advantage, with Cullen’s check of 148 to break the seventh innings proving a false dawn for the 34-year-old.

Instead, Aspinall didn’t look like he was slipping as he advanced to Sunday’s final.

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Aspinall looks confident of going undefeated in Sunday night’s final

“Joe didn’t play well and I was far from my best but I think I was a bit clinical so I got over the line,” said Aspinall, who averaged 95 and had 11 maximums.

“I’ve lost the last three (televised) finals. I won’t do it again. I am so sure.

“I had a bad game today, but I went overboard. I’m a happy guy now, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Clayton and Aspinall have been locked in a thrilling battle for a place in this year’s Premier League play-offs and will now renew their rivalry for the £200,000 top prize and the Phil Taylor Trophy.

“Nathan and I have been in the Premier League (play-offs) fight this year and Gezzi Price has helped me. I have no help tomorrow night. I’ve got to get the job done, and I’m crossing my fingers that I’m going to do it,” Clayton said.

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Join us on Sunday to see who will win the Matchplay Global Final

Bo Greaves will top the Women’s World Cup match in Blackpool after her dominance over the past 12 months and she will open the fight against Dutch debutant Noa-Lynn van Leeuwen.

The £25,000 event – broadcast live on Sky Sports and via the PDC’s global broadcast partners – features the top eight players in the one-year Order of Honor, based on success over 20 tournaments in the PDC Women’s Series since last August.

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The top eight meet this Sunday, and you can watch the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in one session on Women’s World Matchplay.

Ireland’s Robin Byrne next faces Welshman Rhian O’Sullivan, before Japanese leader Mikuru Suzuki takes on last year’s runner-up Aileen de Graaf.

Defending champion Fallon Sherrock will face darts legend Lisa Ashton in the quarterfinals.

We’re back with the Women’s World Cup action on Sunday at the stunning Winter Gardens, live on Sky Sports Action from 1pm, while the final two men meet for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm. Women’s World offers matchmaking and more. stream NOW for £21 a month