World Matchplay: Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries set up Winter Gardens semi-final clash
- Planet Sport writer
- 22 July 2023
Jonny Clayton put on a world-class display as he booked his spot in the World Matchplay semi-final.
Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries will meet in the Betfred World Matchplay semi-finals after both came through close contests on Friday.
Welsh World Cup winner Clayton was first up at Blackpool's Winter Gardens and he produced a brilliant display of finishing in his 16-12 victory over Ryan Searle.
A high-qualify encounter saw Clayton achieve six checkouts of more than 100 points to book his spot in the last four.
"What a game - that was brilliant," reflected Clayton, who has won more televised titles than the rest of the semi-finalists combined.
"It's always a great feeling to hit the big finishes, and that really helped me out tonight.
"Ryan is one of the nicest guys on tour and he's a cracking dart player. We have great respect for each other, so I'm chuffed to get over that winning line."
Clayton added: "I'm doing this for my dad. He's not well at all, so it would mean everything for me to win this title.
"It means a lot to me for a lot of different reasons. My dad's my biggest fan and he's wishing me on so I want to do this for him.
"I'm fighting until the end - it would mean everything to win; for my family, my friends and obviously my dad, hopefully it's going to be my year."
It was then the turn of Humphries, who held off a late fightback from Damon Heta to claim a 16-13 win and reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Clayton and Humphries will clash in the semi-finals on Saturday, with Nathan Aspinall taking on Joe Cullen in the opening match.
