Darts commentator Chris Murphy has declared Jonny Clayton a lock for the Premier League Darts play-offs in 2026, citing the Welshman's consistency and experience. On Sky Sports' Love the Darts podcast, Murphy stated, "I think Jonny Clayton is an absolute certainty to be in the top four." He emphasized the 16-week season before the finals, adding, "I think he is one of the most consistent players in world darts."
Clayton, nicknamed "The Ferret," currently sits third in the Premier League table after two nights and is the world number five. His track record includes winning the title on debut in 2021 and reaching the play-offs in the two subsequent years. Murphy acknowledged a dip in form about 18 months ago, attributing it to personal circumstances after Clayton lost his father following a Matchplay run, but noted, "I think he has arguably come back better than ever."
Despite an unexpected quarterfinal defeat to Ryan Searle at the recent World Darts Championship, which Murphy described as a case where Clayton "just didn't really turn up" against a well-playing opponent, the analyst remains optimistic. Murphy expects Clayton to be "consistent enough to get into the play-offs without a problem in third" over the 16 weeks. In the latest action, the 51-year-old reached the semi-finals on the second night, losing 6-5 to eventual winner Gerwyn Price.
