Jonny Clayton defeats Gerwyn Price 8-4 to win New Zealand Darts Masters
Jonny Clayton defeated Gerwyn Price 8-4 in the final of the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland on 15 August 2026 to claim his first New Zealand title. The 51-year-old secured the victory to add the event to his list of individual honours.
Clayton and Price had previously partnered to win the World Cup of Darts in 2020 and 2023, and Clayton entered the Auckland event seeking a second World Series title. He advanced to the final after sweeping past top seed Gian van Veen and then England's James Wade. Clayton’s run to the title was underpinned by a run of strong finishes across his matches.
In the final Clayton produced multiple high checkouts, hitting 72, 158, 80 and 62 as he raced into a 5-1 lead over his compatriot. Errors from Price allowed Clayton to extend that advantage to 7-1, putting him on the brink of victory. Price responded with three consecutive legs, but Clayton sealed the match with a 124 checkout to make it 8-4.
Price reached the final by beating Australian number one Damon Heta 6-2 and Raymond Smith 7-2 earlier in the tournament. Reflecting on his performance after the defeat, Price said: "I wasn't great there. I missed a load of doubles, but take nothing away from Jonny - he played brilliantly," said Price, who has four World Series titles. "To get to a final is a big tap on my back, and I'll be even better next week in Australia."
Clayton, speaking after the match, commented on facing his former World Cup partner in the final, saying: "It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner," said champion Clayton. "It just shows that two rugby boys can play darts, and to play against each other in the world of rugby here in New Zealand, I've got a smile on my face. "I really enjoyed that. It's 1-1 now, so next year - winner takes all!"
The World Series of Darts regular season concludes next weekend with the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong, with the Finals to be held from 17 to 20 September in Amsterdam.