Key Points
- Jonny Clayton won Night 3 of the Premier League Darts 2026 at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, defeating Gian van Veen 6-2 in the final.
- Clayton ended a 10-match losing streak against Gerwyn Price with a 6-3 quarter-final victory.
- In the semi-final, Clayton thrashed world champion Luke Littler 6-1 after Littler received a bye due to Michael van Gerwen’s illness withdrawal.
- Gian van Veen reached his second final in three weeks, beating Stephen Bunting 6-3 in quarters and Luke Humphries 6-5 in semis.
- Clayton sealed the final with a magnificent 156 checkout, averaging 104.35.
- Clayton’s impressive checkout percentages: 60% vs Price, 66.67% vs Littler, 42.86% in final.
- This victory makes Clayton the third different nightly winner (after Price and van Gerwen), propelling him to the top of the early standings with nine points.
- Michael van Gerwen absent due to illness; Littler advanced directly to semis.
- Other quarter-finals: Humphries beat Josh Rock 6-2; van Veen over Bunting 6-3.
- Clayton described the win as a “great honour” and relief after beating Price.
Glasgow (Manchester Mirror) February 19, 2026 – Jonny Clayton delivered a commanding performance at the OVO Hydro to claim victory on night three of the Premier League Darts 2026, overcoming Gian van Veen 6-2 in the final and marking his return to the tournament after a two-year absence.
Who Won Premier League Darts Night 3 in Glasgow?
Jonny Clayton, the 2021 world champion known as ‘The Ferret’, became the third different winner of the 2026 Premier League season by ruthlessly dispatching world number three Gian van Veen in the Glasgow final. As reported by BBC Sport, Clayton triumphed 6-2 with an average of 104.35, breaking Van Veen’s throw in the opening leg and the seventh before clinching with a stunning 156 checkout. This success catapults Clayton to the summit of the standings ahead of absent Michael van Gerwen and runner-up Van Veen.
Clayton’s path was flawless: he first snapped a near three-year, 10-match losing streak to compatriot Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals, winning 6-3 after racing to a 2-0 lead and holding firm at 3-1, 4-2, and 5-3. In the semi-finals, he demolished 19-year-old world champion Luke Littler 6-1 with a 99 average and 66.67% checkout rate, following Littler’s bye due to Van Gerwen’s withdrawal.
What Happened in the Final Between Clayton and van Veen?
The final showcased Clayton’s dominance as he broke Van Veen’s throw early and sealed the deal emphatically. According to ESPN’s coverage, the 51-year-old Welshman beat the 23-year-old Dutchman comprehensively 6-2, hitting the match-winning 156 checkout to cap a night of brilliance. Van Veen, appearing in his second Premier League final in three weeks, could not recover despite his earlier heroics.
As detailed by Sky Sports, the scoreline reflected Clayton’s control, with his average rising to 104.35 despite a dip in checkout efficiency to 42.86%. Sporting News highlighted the “epic 156 checkout” that clinched the title for Clayton.
How Did Gian van Veen Reach the Final?
Gian van Veen navigated a thrilling path to his second successive Premier League final. In the quarter-finals, as per Sky Sports results, Van Veen averaged over 104 to defeat Stephen Bunting 6-3. He then edged reigning champion Luke Humphries 6-5 in the first semi-final, coming from 3-1 down in a decider.
ESPN reporter noted Humphries led 1-0, 3-1, and 4-2, but missed the bull for 5-3, allowing Van Veen to level at 4-4, hit double 14 for 5-4, and prevail after Humphries levelled. Van Veen hit double 14 at the second attempt to advance.
Why Did Michael van Gerwen Miss Night 3?
Michael van Gerwen, the world number one and previous nightly winner, withdrew from his quarter-final against Luke Littler due to illness. This handed Littler a straight bye into the semi-finals, as confirmed across BBC and ESPN reports. Van Gerwen’s absence marked a blow to the event, but the field adapted seamlessly.
Who Did Jonny Clayton Beat Before the Final?
Clayton’s quarter-final against Gerwyn Price was pivotal. As reported by ESPN, Clayton raced to 2-0, maintained leads at 3-1, 4-2, and 5-3, securing 6-3 and ending 10 straight defeats to his fellow Welshman. “The first job was trying to get Gerwyn out … that little thing of losing to him 10 times. That was a big relief,” Clayton reflected.
In the semis, Clayton crushed Littler 6-1, with a 60% checkout rate earlier against Price rising to 66.67% here. “I didn’t expect to beat the best darts player on the planet 6-1,” Clayton admitted post-match.
What Were the Quarter-Final Results in Glasgow?
The quarter-finals set the tone at OVO Hydro. Sky Sports listed: Gian van Veen 6-3 Stephen Bunting; Luke Humphries 6-2 Josh Rock; Luke Littler bye (Van Gerwen w/o); Jonny Clayton 6-3 Gerwyn Price. Humphries dominated Rock convincingly, while Van Veen powered past Bunting.
How Did Luke Humphries Lose to van Veen?
Luke Humphries, the reigning champion, fell 6-5 to Van Veen in a semi-final thriller. As per ESPN’s detailed account, Humphries led early but faltered: missing the bull for 5-3 allowed Van Veen to tie at 4-4, then Van Veen edged ahead with double 14 before Humphries levelled, only for Van Veen to win the decider.
What Did Jonny Clayton Say After Winning?
Clayton was elated in his post-match comments. “Yeah, it’s a great honour to win one of these nights against these players,” the 51-year-old told ESPN. He added, “It was nice to get that monkey off my back [against Price]. I was quite solid against him and it was just my night… You need a bit of luck… It put a smile on my face.”
On beating Littler: “Luke didn’t play to his best but I took my chances and that is the game of darts.” BBC noted his ruthlessness throughout.
What is the Premier League Darts 2026 Standings After Night 3?
Clayton’s win gives him nine points, topping the table ahead of Van Gerwen (absent but prior winner) and Price (one win). ESPN confirmed Clayton surpasses Van Gerwen and Van Veen. Three different winners so far: Price, Van Gerwen, now Clayton.
Sky Sports previewed Night 4 in Belfast on February 26, with Littler vs Clayton up first.
When and Where Was Premier League Darts Night 3 Held?
Night 3 occurred on February 19, 2026, at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, one of two Scottish stops. Times: Quarters from 7:15 p.m. local, semis 9:00 p.m., final 10:15 p.m.
This event underscores the Premier League’s global appeal, with Clayton’s comeback story captivating fans.
