Jonny Clayton claimed his third European Tour title with a superb 8-6 win over Niko Springer in Sunday’s Dutch Darts Championship final.

Clayton – the runner-up to Josh Rock in last year’s showpiece – fought back from 3-0, 4-1 and 5-2 down to deny Springer a first senior ranking title in a captivating clash.

The Welshman also continued his love-affair with Rosmalen, extending his winning run at the Autotron to 12 matches following his Players Championship success at this venue back in April.

“This is a great feeling,” reflected Clayton, who becomes the new world number five after lifting his first big stage title since June 2023.

“I missed out to Josh Rock last year and I’ve gone one better this year. I’ve also had a ProTour win in Rosmalen, so this may be my new lucky home!

“What a player Niko is. He’s got such a big future. He’s a great lad with a great attitude, and he shows it on that dartboard.

“I came back somehow, and then I managed to get ahead and stay ahead. I’m so pleased to get over the line; it’s brilliant.”

Clayton began the day in dramatic style, overturning a 4-1 deficit to deny former European Champion Ross Smith, before averaging north of 106 and crashing in seven 180s to topple home favourite Danny Noppert.

The 50-year-old maintained his march to the title with a thrilling semi-final victory over top seed Luke Humphries, missing double 12 for a nine-darter in the latter stages of the contest.

Springer seized the early initiative in Sunday’s showpiece with legs of 12, 13 and 15 darts, but Clayton was unfazed, levelling at five apiece with a three-leg blitz of his own.

Clayton then followed up a 13-dart break with a clutch 91 checkout to move to the cusp of victory at 7-5, before defying a brief rally from the young German to wrap up proceedings via double two.

2025 Dutch Darts Championship

Third Round

Luke Humphries 6-0 Michael Smith
William O’Connor 6-3 Ritchie Edhouse
Jonny Clayton 6-5 Ross Smith
Danny Noppert 6-5 Damon Heta
Ryan Searle 6-0 Mickey Mansell
Wessel Nijman 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Niko Springer 6-2 Martin Schindler
Ricardo Pietreczko 6-5 Daryl Gurney

Quarter-Finals

Luke Humphries 6-3 William O’Connor
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Danny Noppert
Wessel Nijman 6-1 Ryan Searle
Niko Springer 6-2 Ricardo Pietreczko

Semi-Finals

Jonny Clayton 7-5 Luke Humphries
Niko Springer 7-3 Wessel Nijman

Final

Jonny Clayton 8-6 Niko Springer

---

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.