Premier League Darts 2026 results: Johnny Clayton defeats Luke Humphreys

Clayton said he “wasn’t expecting much” at Nottingham due to his gout, but said “my arm was fine the way it looked and that’s all that matters” as he showed little sign that his illness might slow down his scoring as it affected his gait.

The three walks and climbing the steep steps onto the stage did nothing to help his condition and his limp progressively worsened throughout the evening.

However, as his walk has deteriorated, his throwing has gotten better – and it seems possible that his way of dealing with the pain in his ankle behind the scenes could be an advantage.

“I kept training because it gets worse when I sit down,” he told Sky Sports after his win. “So I thought I’d have to practice – and this is the most I’ve ever done!”

After five different winners in five weeks, it was fitting that Clayton became the first player to double as he has been comfortably the most consistent player to date – winning 11 matches overall, five more than anyone else, and also leading the way in 180s.

After winning Week 3 in Glasgow, Clayton also reached last week’s final in Cardiff, and a win in his third match already moved him eight points clear – a huge margin in the Premier League for the Darts after just six weeks.

“Everyone is getting points from everyone, I didn’t expect to be at the top, eight points [clear]“So I’m very happy about that,” Clayton added.

“Beware of the injured darts player” may now be a saying.