Jonny Clayton has questioned the PDC's qualification system for major tournaments as he faces the prospect of missing the Grand Slam of Darts despite sitting sixth in the world rankings. The 52-year-old Welshman believes the world's top 16 players should be guaranteed entry to every major event, arguing that their ranking positions reflect the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level.
Clayton has yet to secure his place at November's Grand Slam in Wolverhampton. With seven qualifying tournaments remaining, he is running out of opportunities to earn a spot in the field. The former Premier League champion has reached three finals this season without lifting a trophy. His closest attempt on the European Tour came at the Belgian Darts Open, where he suffered an 8-6 defeat to Luke Humphries. He has also finished runner-up at two other ProTour events. Those results have not been enough to guarantee him a place at the Grand Slam, where qualification is determined by tournament performances rather than world ranking alone.
Major champions and finalists are among those eligible for automatic Grand Slam qualification. Remaining places are allocated through performances on the European Tour and Players Championship circuit, with title winners ranked according to the number of events they have won. The PDC Ranking Ladder is used to separate players when necessary. Clayton believes that system overlooks the achievements of players who have established themselves among the world's best. Speaking to Oche180 via AskGamblers, he said: “You work hard through the year. You give up things and you miss a lot of things at home. You work hard to play and to get into the top 16, and you work even harder to stay there. You know, it's a good place to be, the top 16 in the world of darts. They're very good players there. It's a tough competition to get into it, and to stay there, like I say, is even harder.”
The Welshman compared the situation to English football, questioning whether a major competition should exclude its highest-ranked competitors. “I don't get how the top 16 aren't in everything. It's the same as putting the FA Cup on and not having the Premier League teams in. So I just don't get it.” Clayton maintained that players who consistently perform well enough to remain in the top 16 should not have to rely on separate qualification routes for individual majors. “I'm a big believer in the idea that we deserve to be in every tournament. We are the elite, and at the moment I'm in the top 16, and what we do, what we give up to keep in that top 16, some people don't see. But that's my opinion, and whether it counts or not, it probably won't. But it's just my opinion. I genuinely think the top 16 in the world should be in everything.”
Although Clayton is determined to qualify for the Grand Slam, he is prepared to accept missing the tournament if his remaining opportunities do not produce the required results. He also acknowledged that a break could be beneficial during a demanding period of the darts calendar. “I think you've got to look at it like this. Darts is in a brilliant place. Darts is in a fantastic place. It must be up with the top watched sports in the world.” The growing number of tournaments has increased both the financial rewards and the demands placed on professional players. Clayton believes time away from competition remains important, particularly with the Players Championship Finals and World Championship approaching. “So, like you just said, it's like you have to recharge your battery somewhere. And if you're going to miss out on one of the big tournaments, well, so be it, just as long as you're not missing out on everything. Maybe one tournament ain't gonna, you know, hurt so much, but I genuinely think there's so much darts.”
Clayton stressed that the financial benefits of the professional circuit do not eliminate the need for rest. “Yes, it is our job, and yes, it is very good for the pocket, don't get me wrong, but you do have to recharge batteries, like you just said. You just need to relax for a couple of weeks, whatever, with the family, with whatever you want to do, you know, just to get back focused, you know.” For now, the Welshman still has opportunities to qualify for Wolverhampton. If he falls short, however, he already knows how he intends to spend the unexpected time off. “I genuinely think it's, if I talk about myself, if I miss the Grand Slam, I miss it. You know, I don't want to miss it, but if I do, I'll be on holiday somewhere, enjoying the sun.”
