Jonny Clayton reached the World Matchplay final in 2023
Fifth-seeded Jonny Clayton has advanced to the World Matchplay semi-finals, setting up a clash with former champion James Wade after a dominant victory over Stephen Bunting.
The Welshman surged to an early 5-0 lead and maintained control throughout the match, ultimately securing a 16-7 win in Blackpool.
Clayton will now face Wade for a coveted spot in the final. Wade, the 2007 champion, defeated Dutchman Gian van Veen 16-13 to reach his ninth semi-final.
Clayton, aged 50, displayed exceptional form early in the match against Bunting, averaging an impressive 110 in the initial session.
While Clayton’s performance dipped slightly, fourth-seeded Bunting was unable to capitalize, struggling to find his rhythm and exhibiting growing frustration.
“The Ferret” rediscovered his form, winning five consecutive legs to seal the victory with an average of 98.13 and a 50% success rate on his doubles.
“I played all right there,” Clayton told Sky Sports. “Total respect to Stephen, he didn’t play his best game but I kept him under pressure at times. I played well.”
Earlier in the evening, Wade found himself trailing Van Veen 4-1, despite dominating numerous legs due to poor finishing.
However, the Englishman returned with renewed focus after the break, winning the subsequent eight legs to seize control of the match.
Although Van Veen narrowed the gap and concluded the match with a superior average (99.24 to 96.35) and checkout percentage, Wade managed to secure the win.
“I thought I’d thrown it away,” the 42-year-old told Sky Sports. “Towards the end, he was coming back and it was God’s gift to me, not my ability [that secured the win].
“I had a very stern word with myself [after the first session], I was disgusted. You do what you need to do.
“I’m lucky he didn’t make the most of his opportunities. But then if I’d made the most of mine, I’d have been 5-0 or 10-0 up. I’m proper buzzing.”
The remaining quarter-finals will take place at the Winter Gardens on Friday evening, featuring world champion Luke Littler against Andrew Gilding, and Wales’ Gerwyn Price versus Josh Rock of Northern Ireland.
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