Jonny Clayton Triumphs in Premier League Darts Despite Painful Gout Attack
Darts professional Jonny Clayton has revealed a significant health struggle after dominating night six of the Premier League Darts in Nottingham. The Welsh player, known as 'the Ferret', secured a remarkable victory while managing a severe gout flare-up that left him barely able to walk.
Physical Agony on Stage
Throughout the evening at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, Clayton was visibly limping around the stage due to debilitating inflammatory arthritis affecting his ankle. Despite this physical agony, his throwing arm remained completely unaffected, allowing him to power past formidable opponents including Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, and Luke Humphries in the final.
This triumph not only secured Clayton the night's honours but also propelled him eight points clear at the top of the Premier League standings, demonstrating extraordinary resilience in the face of chronic pain.
Living with Unpredictable Gout
Gout represents a persistent health issue for Clayton, who manages the condition with daily medication. However, the unpredictable nature of the inflammatory arthritis means he never knows when a flare-up might strike, creating significant challenges for his professional schedule.
"I do get flare-ups, so obviously I take medication every day," Clayton explained following his victory. "Funnily enough, it was in my elbow in my first year in the Premier League. So it's moved now to my ankle."
Determination to Continue Competing
The Welshman emphasized his determination to continue competing despite the condition's challenges. "But I have to carry on. I don't want to miss these nights," he stated. "You just take your medication. I could go back to bed tonight, wake up tomorrow as if there's nothing there. It is weird, proper weird."
Clayton described how gout provides warning signs before a full flare-up develops. "When it comes on, it gives you a warning and if you don't catch it in time, then you know all about it. And obviously I know all about it now."
Impact on European Tour Schedule
The health battle has already affected Clayton's upcoming schedule. On Thursday night, he confirmed there was "no chance" he would be able to participate in the European Tour event in Germany, and he subsequently officially withdrew from the tournament.
This withdrawal follows similar decisions by other top players, with Luke Humphries also pulling out and world number one Luke Littler maintaining his ongoing boycott of events in Germany, leaving Michael van Gerwen as the tournament's top seed.
Clayton's Nottingham victory represents his second Premier League night win of the season, achieved under particularly challenging physical circumstances that highlight both his skill and determination as a professional athlete managing a chronic health condition.
