Emotional Jonny Clayton admits his time in darts is running out as he reveals age is no barrier if you produce 2 things

Emotional Jonny Clayton has admitted his time in darts is coming to an end.

The Ferret beat Daryl Gurney to keep alive his World Darts Championship title dream at Ally Pally. But Clayton sees the sands of time at the top level running out having previously wanting to quit following the death of his father. He said: “I don’t think I have much left in darts. These youngsters have a long time. I am trying to do as good as I can now because my time is running out.

“It’s a joke between all the boys, I am 50 and all my friends are younger and pick on me. If you can relax up there and throw your best darts, you have a chance, no matter your age. If you don’t produce your best darts, it is difficult. My best darts are not there at the moment.”

Clayton was hit hard by by dad John’s passing in July 2023 and added: “It was over. I won’t lie to you. I had no interest. I didn’t want to play the game, I didn’t want to travel. It meant nothing to me. Some of these youngsters and it’s their job. This has always been my hobby.

“When I lost my dad, it hurt. He was my inspiration to keep playing. I said: 'That is it, I don’t want to do it any more.' The guys were flying to Australia or New Zealand in the beginning of last August. I lost my dad the morning of that flight.

“It hurt. At that time, the guys were away for three weeks. It wasn’t time to think. I had lost everything. That was it. I thought, I cannot be bothered. I said I would give it a chance. You are playing a hobby you are good at. Give it another go. That is what I am trying to do.

“At the beginning of the year, I was rubbish, The second half of the year, I won a ProTour, went deep in them. Little things like that happen and give you belief.

“I couldn’t tell you when it was.