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'I've got my mojo back' - Clayton wins Players title

Jonny Clayton clenches both fists in celebrationImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Jonny Clayton won the Masters, World Grand Prix and World Series Finals in 2021

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Jonny Clayton declared "I鈥檝e got my mojo back" after beating Wesley Plaisier in the Players Championship 14 final in Milton Keynes.

The title success was Clayton's first since winning the Austrian Darts Open in April 2023.

The 49-year-old Welshman, who lost his father in July last year, beat Plaisier 8-5 to build on his recent runner-up spot in May's Dutch Championship.

"Confidence is low when you're not picking up results, but I鈥檝e got my mojo back," said Clayton.

"I've got a smile on my face, and winning always helps.

"I was way off at the start of the year, but something has clicked."

World number eight Clayton beat Darren Beveridge, Andy Baetens, James Hurrell, Dom Taylor and Martin Schindler before overcoming Cameron Menzies 7-3 in the semi-final.

In the final 'The Ferret' threw a fabulous 11-darter and landed seven 180s to beat Plaisier with a 106 average.

"I played well yesterday and I played well today, so my consistency is there, and fingers crossed I can keep it going," added Clayton.

"It's a great time to get your form back with the World Matchplay coming up, and hopefully I can go one step further this year."

Clayton was runner-up in the 2023 World Matchplay, losing 18-6 to Nathan Aspinall in the final.

This year's World Matchplay takes place at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, from 13-21 July.

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