As the World Grand Prix darts tournament heats up in Leicester, attention turns to a pivotal second-round clash: former champion Jonny Clayton against the hungry Wessel Nijman. This match isn’t just about advancing to the Quarter-Finals; it’s a battle of pedigree versus potential. While Clayton, known for his consistent major performances, is the bookies’ favourite, Nijman boasts an impressive double percentage — a critical statistic in this unique format — making him a serious threat to cause an upset. This encounter promises high drama and a fascinating display of darting skill.
Grand Prix Showdown: Clayton vs. Nijman – A Battle for the Quarter-Finals
Day three of the World Grand Prix brings with it the intensity of the second round, where players are fighting tooth and nail for a coveted spot in the Quarter-Finals. While other compelling matches are on the cards – such as Danny Noppert taking on Michael van Gerwen’s conqueror, Ryan Joyce, and Luke Woodhouse challenging Nathan Aspinall – our focus zeroes in on a particularly intriguing encounter.
Many eyes will be on the rematch of the World Series of Darts Final from last weekend, featuring Gerwyn Price and Ross Smith, who both delivered exceptional performances in Round 1. However, the second game of the night presents a different kind of drama that could steal the show.
The Contenders: Jonny Clayton vs. Wessel Nijman
This match-up pits Welsh number two, Jonny Clayton, against the promising Wessel Nijman. The odds favour Clayton slightly, but this is exactly the kind of fixture that can produce unexpected twists and turns, with both players capable of fluctuating performance levels under pressure.
Let’s look at how they performed in their opening matches:
- Jonny Clayton: Squeezed past Krzysztof Ratajski with a 2-1 victory, averaging 85.52.
- Wessel Nijman: Secured a straight-sets win against Rob Cross, averaging 82.43.
Clayton’s Grand Prix Pedigree
Jonny Clayton arrives in Leicester with a strong history at the Grand Prix. He’s not only a former champion, having claimed the title in 2021 (often referred to as ‘the year of the Ferret’ due to his nickname), but he has also consistently reached at least the Quarter-Finals in his last two appearances, even making it to the Semi-Finals in 2025.
His consistent deep runs in major tournaments highlight his experience and ability to perform when it matters most.
Nijman’s Quest for a Major Breakthrough
Wessel Nijman, on the other hand, is still searching for his first major Quarter-Final appearance in the PDC. He’s faced the disappointment of losing at the Last 16 stage on five separate occasions. Recent heartbreaks include a 10-7 defeat to James Wade at the World Series Finals last weekend and a nail-biting 14-12 extra-time loss to Gian van Veen at the World Matchplay in July.
This match represents a significant opportunity for Nijman to break his major tournament hoodoo and announce himself on a bigger stage.
The Crucial Stat: Double Percentages
In the unique format of the World Grand Prix, where players must start and finish every leg on a double, double percentages are paramount. It’s a statistic that usually plays to Clayton’s strengths, as he’s widely regarded as one of the best finishers in darts.
However, in a surprising turn, Nijman currently holds a significant edge in this area. With a remarkable 44.05% double percentage in 2026, Wessel Nijman leads the planet, surpassing even Clayton in this crucial metric. This statistic alone makes him a formidable opponent and could be the key to an upset.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between these two players is relatively short, with Clayton currently leading 3-1. Their only meeting this year was at the World Masters in January, where Clayton secured a 3-1 victory. Nijman’s sole win against Clayton came in a Players Championship Quarter-Final in October.
While history favors Clayton, Nijman’s recent form and exceptional double-hitting ability suggest this match could easily swing in either direction.
What’s at Stake?
The winner of this high-stakes encounter will face either Gerwyn Price or Ross Smith for a spot in the Semi-Finals on Saturday. This adds another layer of excitement, as both players know a victory here would set up another blockbuster clash against top-tier opposition.
Expect a thrilling contest as Clayton aims to continue his Grand Prix legacy and Nijman fights to finally make his major tournament breakthrough.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
