Article: Premier League Night Three : Clayton Commands in Glasgow
Premier League Night Three : Clayton Commands in Glasgow
‘Go Jonny Go!’ - Clayton Takes Glasgow By Storm!
A night built on timing, precision and authority. The evening began with a significant development: Michael van Gerwen’s withdrawal due to a medical issue granted Luke Littler a bye into the semi-finals, shifting the competitive landscape from the outset. Jonny Clayton responded best to the opportunity and produced three high-level performances at the OVO Hydro to secure Night Three honours in Glasgow, climbing to the top of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League table in the process.
The 2021 champion overcame Gerwyn Price, Luke Littler and Gian van Veen to collect the £10,000 nightly bonus, delivering control in key moments and clinical finishing when it mattered most.
Back on familiar Scottish soil - where he also claimed victory in 2022, Clayton looked composed from the outset. A 6-3 quarter-final win over Price ended a ten-match losing streak against his World Cup partner, converting six of ten attempts at double in a display built on efficiency.
He stepped up again in the semi-finals. A ruthless 6-1 victory over world number one Luke Littler, backed by a 101 average, underlined his authority and sent a clear message to the field.
By the time the final arrived, Clayton had found another gear.
2026 BetMGM Premier League
Night Three - OVO Hydro, Glasgow
Thursday February 19
Quarter-Finals
Gian van Veen 6-3 Stephen Bunting
Luke Humphries 6-2 Josh Rock
Luke Littler BYE (Michael van Gerwen withdrew)
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Gerwyn Price
Semi-Finals
Gian van Veen 6-5 Luke Humphries
Jonny Clayton 6-1 Luke Littler
Van Veen continued his impressive start to the campaign with a deciding-leg victory over reigning champion Luke Humphries. Recovering from 3-1 down and surviving two match darts, the Dutchman edged through 6-5 despite Humphries averaging 103 and landing seven 180s.
Clayton, meanwhile, was clinical. A 6-1 dismantling of Littler saw him dominate from the opening exchanges, maintaining relentless scoreboard pressure throughout.
The Final
Jonny Clayton 6-2 Gian van Veen
Clayton started fast with two legs in 28 darts taking immediate control.
Van Veen responded to close to 3-2, but the momentum never fully shifted. Clayton’s scoring remained steady and his finishing sharpened as the line approached.
Three of the final four legs went his way. A commanding 156 checkout provided the defining moment, and double top sealed a comprehensive 6-2 victory with an incredible 104.35 average and crowning him the Night Three winner.
Clayton on Confidence and Momentum
“When your finishing goes well the confidence is up, and tonight was my night,” Clayton reflected.
“I’m enjoying myself, and when you enjoy what you’re doing, things seem to happen for you.
“I’ve got a bit of experience in the Premier League. This is my favourite tournament, and I know what you’ve got to do to get to Finals Night.
“Hopefully this is going to be a push in the right direction. I’m doing alright so far!”
League Picture
Clayton’s victory moves him to the top of the table after three nights, capitalising on Michael van Gerwen’s absence due to a medical issue.
Van Veen sits third after reaching a second nightly final in three weeks, while Humphries and Littler remain firmly in contention as the margins tighten.
|
NW |
MW |
L |
+/- |
Legs Won |
LWAT |
Pts |
|
|
Jonny Clayton |
1 |
5 |
2 |
+15 |
39 |
17 |
9 |
|
Michael van Gerwen |
1 |
5 |
1 |
+7 |
33 |
14 |
8 |
|
Gian van Veen |
0 |
4 |
3 |
+1 |
35 |
11 |
6 |
|
Gerwyn Price |
1 |
3 |
2 |
+1 |
26 |
10 |
5 |
|
Luke Humphries |
0 |
2 |
3 |
-1 |
24 |
8 |
4 |
|
Luke Littler |
0 |
1 |
3 |
-7 |
15 |
7 |
4 |
|
Stephen Bunting |
0 |
0 |
3 |
-9 |
9 |
4 |
0 |
|
Josh Rock |
0 |
0 |
3 |
-12 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
Night Three belonged to Clayton displaying composure in the moments that mattered and remaining clinical when the opportunity presented itself.
Night Three – Key Insights
180s: 32
Highest Average: 105.95 (Luke Humphries)
Highest Checkout: 156 (Jonny Clayton)
Up Next: Belfast
The roadshow rolls into Belfast next week.
Luke Littler v Jonny Clayton
Stephen Bunting v Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price
Gian van Veen v Josh Rock
Clayton returns as table leader, Rock takes centre stage on home soil and rivalries resume immediately.
The Premier League season is taking shape and the margins remain unforgiving.
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