**Jonny Clayton Opens Up About Battling Grief and Resurgence on Darts’ Biggest Stage**
Welsh darts ace Jonny Clayton has candidly discussed his emotional struggle to continue playing after suffering the sudden loss of his father, explaining how grief nearly forced him away from the sport he loves. Clayton, affectionately known as “The Ferret”, revealed how he contemplated quitting darts altogether before rediscovering his drive to compete at the highest level.
The untimely passing of his father John in July 2023 struck just as Clayton was about to depart for the World Series. The news left him adrift, facing a loss of focus and purpose both on and off the oche. In the aftermath, Clayton admitted to questioning not just his performance, but his entire relationship with the sport. “We all know two years ago with my dad passing I just did not want to play,” Clayton shared, reflecting on that difficult period.
Despite these challenges, the last year has seen a remarkable transformation in Clayton’s fortunes. His recent march to the semi-finals of the prestigious World Matchplay tournament marks a significant resurgence. Along the way, he produced impressive victories, notably a commanding 16-7 win against Stephen Bunting, before narrowly losing a gruelling 20-18 battle against James Wade—both athletes now jointly holding the record for the longest semi-final in World Matchplay history.
Clayton credits his revived determination to a change in mindset and strong family support. “I’ve changed my mind! I’ve got the hunger back,” he said after his World Matchplay performance, hopeful for continued progress up the PDC rankings. Having dropped from a world ranking of five to nine, Clayton is now redoubling his efforts to reclaim his place among darts’ elite. “It hurts that I’ve dropped, but I’m climbing back up,” he enthused, noting how respect in the sport is often tied to both form and position.
The intense match against Wade underlined Clayton’s competitive grit, as he fought bravely from 16-10 down, nearly forcing a remarkable turnaround. Speaking after the event, Clayton acknowledged the impact of his father’s death and the vital role of his wife and two children in helping him rediscover his passion. “I have a smile back on my face now, and I have two kids who want me to do well,” he commented, signalling renewed hope despite the lingering pain of loss.
A significant shift has also come in his approach to preparation. Clayton admitted that practice had fallen by the wayside in recent times, but he has now returned to the practice board, determined to unlock his best form. “I haven’t done for probably a year and a half. There’s more to come from me,” he told reporters, eager to show fans that his semi-final performance is just the beginning.
Earlier in the year, Clayton ended a two-year drought in major finals by reaching the World Masters decider in February. He also clinched the Dutch Darts Championship, mounting an impressive comeback to defeat Niko Springer and secure the European Tour title. These results underline Clayton’s capacity to return to his dynamic best, even following periods of personal struggle.
The Welshman’s resilience was again displayed at the World Cup of Darts, where, alongside fellow countryman Gerwyn Price, he earned a silver medal. The Welsh pair narrowly missed out on the title to Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney, having previously captured the trophy together two years prior.
Throughout his journey, Clayton’s openness about the pressures of professional sport and personal grief has resonated with fans. His story serves as a poignant reminder that professional athletes often battle unseen challenges, and his rejuvenation on the world stage stands as a testament to perseverance and family strength. As Clayton himself inferred, while grief leaves a lasting mark, embracing support and pursuing new ambitions can lead to renewed success.
Now back on darts’ biggest stages and with a revitalised spirit, Jonny Clayton’s journey continues—proof of how personal trials can be transformed into professional triumphs with time, support, and determination.