World Matchplay Darts 2025: Jonny Clayton Backs James Wade’s Bold Claim Ahead of Semi-Final Clash

Darts underdog Jonny Clayton continued his superb 2025 form as he breezed past world number four Stephen Bunting with a convincing 16-7 victory to secure his spot in a second-ever World Matchplay semi-final.

The Welshman has been in red-hot form this year and showed his class again on the Winter Gardens stage, dismantling Bunting in style. 

But an even greater challenge awaits as he prepares to face the ever-resilient ‘Machine’ — James Wade.

Underrated pair 

Despite their excellent form in 2025, neither Clayton nor Wade were tipped as tournament favourites beforehand. On the form table, their semi-final showdown might have been a smart prediction, but not according to the bookies.

Clayton entered the event as the joint 11th favourite to win the title, with Wade even further down the list as joint 18th choice. 

Now, the two seasoned professionals will battle it out for a place in the final.

Clayton full of respect for Wade

Speaking after his win over Bunting, Clayton shared his admiration for Wade and revealed that the pair are regular practice partners off the oche.

The one thing that stands out most to Clayton is Wade’s renewed hunger for the sport.

Wade hasn't lifted a PDC major since the 2021 UK Open, but he’s enjoying something of a career renaissance, emerging as one of the standout players of the year and rising to a provisional world number five.

“James is playing fantastic. We practise a lot together James. And you watch him, he's hungry again and James Wade being hungry is a different kettle of fish and he's fantastic,” Clayton told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

Wade: “I’m one of the best darts players ever”

After his own quarter-final triumph over Dutch youngster Gian van Veen, Wade was typically forthright in his assessment of his career, using the post-match interview to make a bold statement.

“I’m probably just one of the best darts players that’s ever walked the planet. All I can say is for 20 years, who else has done what I’ve done?” Wade told the media.

Clayton agrees with Wade’s bold claim

Clayton was asked if he agreed with Wade’s confident assertion — and didn’t hesitate in backing his fellow semi-finalist.

“A hundred percent. Look at his records and what that guy has produced.”

“What is he probably the third best darts player on earth, maybe fourth based on what he’s done. You can’t take that away from him.”

“That guy has done everything but win the world championship.”

Experience vs momentum

Despite being eight years older than Clayton, Wade remains one of the longest-serving stalwarts on the PDC circuit. This marks his 20th World Matchplay appearance and an incredible 10th semi-final at the prestigious tournament, a testament to his enduring class and consistency.

Clayton knows he’s up against a wealth of experience, but with four PDC major singles titles and two World Cup wins to his name, he’s no stranger to big moments himself, and certainly won’t be counting himself out.

“I think to myself, I got a massive game. He's playing really well, and he's got all the experience. I've got some but nothing compared to James Wade.”

“I've got a tough one. I'm going to go out there, I'm going to enjoy, I'm going to try my best and hopefully Jonny Clayton's here on Sunday [for the final].”

Mutual respect between close friends

Even before learning whether his semi-final opponent would be Clayton or Bunting, Wade had already made it clear which player he’d rather avoid.

“I’d much rather play Stephen than Jonny,” Wade said. 

“I’m very close to Jonny. The two closest, nicest people in darts that I know are Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton. I’m probably going to have to bump into one or both of them if I’m going to lift the title.”

Despite their mutual respect and strong friendship, only one of these battle-hardened darts warriors will make it to the final, and based on their form and fire, it promises to be a thriller.