Watch: Jonny Clayton nails nine-darter in UK Open win over Chris Dobey

Jonny Clayton landed the first Ladbrokes UK Open nine-darter for four years as he progressed to the quarter-finals with a 10-8 win over Chris Dobey in Minehead.

It was the Welshman’s maiden nine-darter in front of the television cameras as he pinned back-to-back maximums followed by a 141 checkout to delight a chuffed crowd.

Butlin’s Minehead Resort has acted as a splendid stomping ground for Clayton over the past few years, with the West Country resort playing host to both his maiden major quarter-final and final, and now his first televised nine-darter.

He prevailed against a valiant Dobey, being forced to fend off an inspired comeback from the Bedlington thrower – who having earlier trailed 5-0 moved within one of the Welshman towards the latter stages.

“It’s a very special moment for me and I’m chuffed to bits,” Clayton told ITV Sport. “It’s my first nine-darter in any tournament, so its a good feeling.

“I’ve had a few in practice but only my dog was watching, so to do it in front of a crowd has shown that I can do it.”

Clayton’s feat was the second of its kind within two weeks following Michael Smith’s exploits during the Premier League in Dublin, and is the 13th already this season.

Wales’ Clayton will return to action on Sunday afternoon, joining the likes of his countryman Gerwyn Price in the UK Open quarter-finals.

NINE-DARTER!!

Jonny Clayton lands perfection on Stage Two against Chris Dobey in his last 16 tie.

Incredible stuff from the Welshman! pic.twitter.com/r7QSWjVKEV

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 7, 2020

My 9th live 9 darter Take a bow son ??? @JonnyClay9 @OfficialPDC @ModusDarts180 #ukopen2020 pic.twitter.com/YnOxZ2WcDQ

— Kevin Fitzpatrick (@FitzpatrickKev) March 7, 2020

@JonnyClay9 NINE DARTER IN FRONT OF MY EYES!!! #UKOpen #ukopen2020 ???????????? #NineDarter @OfficialPDC @PDC_Cymru pic.twitter.com/pp3MTpzrBW

— James Robinson (@JRTerrier24) March 7, 2020

(Photography: Lawrence Lustig/PDC)