Jonny Clayton beat Damon Heta 10-7 in the first round of the 2026 World Matchplay to set up a blockbuster round of 16 tie with Gary Anderson.

The 2023 runner-up stormed into an 8-3 lead, but the world number five was forced to defy a spirited fightback from Heta, wrapping up proceedings with a magnificent 144 finish.

“I loved every second of that,” said Clayton.

“This is the best venue in darts, and I’m a proud man to be standing here with a win to my name.

“Gary Anderson was my hero in darts. I think it’s going to be a battle of the old boys, but I hope it’s going to be a belter.”

Clayton will now face Gary Anderson on Tuesday night, after the Scottish player produced one of the greatest performances in World Matchplay history to beat Ryan Joyce 10-2.

Anderson – who lifted the famous Phil Taylor Trophy in 2018 – was irrepressible from start to finish, converting consecutive 144 and 141 checkouts to cap off his best display in Blackpool.

His average of 109.96 was the eighth-highest in the competition’s history.

“You get those days sometimes where you can throw with your eyes shut and hit everything, and today was one of those days,” said Anderson.

“I’ve missed a lot of tournaments this year. I play when I can, and honestly I came here not knowing what to expect.

“The next game will be a completely different game, so we’ll see what happens.”

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