In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Welsh darts professional Jonny Clayton triumphed at the sixth night of the Premier League in Nottingham, despite suffering from a painful gout attack in his ankle. The inflammatory arthritis condition left Clayton barely able to walk, limping noticeably around the stage, yet it did nothing to hinder his precision on the oche.
A Virtuoso Performance Amidst Adversity
Clayton delivered a virtuoso performance, showcasing his trademark accuracy and composure. He secured his second nightly win of the season by defeating Luke Humphries 6-1 in the final, following earlier victories over Michael van Gerwen and Stephen Bunting. This result extends his lead at the top of the Premier League table by eight points, positioning him as a strong contender for the play-offs at London's O2 Arena.
Clayton's Candid Admission of Pain
On stage after his win, Clayton openly discussed his physical struggles. "I wasn't expecting much tonight, I have got to be honest, I am suffering with gout, it's in my ankles," he admitted. "Tonight was a little bit difficult because every time I sat down, my foot was kind of stiffening up. So it was getting worse. I am in pain, it is hard to walk, luckily it is not in my arm and the darts were going in OK. I am a happy man." His candid remarks highlighted the severity of his condition, making his achievement all the more impressive.
Humphries Denied First Win of the Year
Luke Humphries was denied his first nightly victory of 2026, but he did manage to end a frustrating losing streak against his teenage rival, Luke Littler, in the semi-final. Humphries had lost his last five matches against Littler dating back to May 2025, but he clinched a hard-fought win in a last-leg decider to advance to the final.
Littler's Night of Mixed Fortunes
Luke Littler entered the semi-final arena with a playful jab at the local Nottingham Forest football team, referencing their Europa League defeat at the City Ground. However, his night mirrored that result, ending in a loss to Humphries. Earlier, Littler had delivered the match of the night, beating Gerwyn Price in a high-quality quarter-final. Both players consistently hit the treble 20 bed, but Littler maintained his dominance over Price, securing his 11th win in their last 12 meetings with another last-leg decider.
Rock's Struggles Continue
Josh Rock's difficult debut campaign in the Premier League persisted as he suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat to fellow struggler Stephen Bunting. This loss marks Rock's sixth consecutive defeat, leaving him winless in the competition so far. His performance underscores the challenges faced by newcomers in the high-pressure environment of professional darts.
The Nottingham event not only highlighted Clayton's extraordinary grit but also set the stage for an intense race to the play-offs, with Clayton emerging as a clear frontrunner despite his health setbacks.
