Darts player Jonny Clayton has revealed he almost quit darts following the death of his father last year. World number seven Clayton secured his spot in the fourth round of the World Darts Championship after surviving a late charge from Daryl Gurney to win 4-3 at Alexandra Palace.
![[World number seven Clayton secured his spot in the fourth round of the World Darts Championship after surviving a late charge from Daryl Gurney to win 4-3 at Alexandra Palace]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/27/20/93528177-14206661-image-a-3_1735330240477.jpg)
But following his triumphant win an emotional Clayton admitted he came close to calling it a day in the sport when his father, John, passed away suddenly in July 2023. He said: 'It was over, I won’t lie to you. I had no interest, I didn’t want to play the game, I didn’t want to travel. It meant nothing to me.
![[Following his triumphant win an emotional Clayton admitted he came close to calling it a day in the sport when his father, John, passed away suddenly in July 2023]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/27/20/93528179-14206661-image-a-2_1735330222148.jpg)
'Darts is my hobby. For some of these youngsters it’s their job but this has always been my hobby. When I lost my dad – and I don’t want to keep going on about it as it is old news – it hurt. He was my inspiration to keep playing. I said, ‘That is it - I don’t want to do it any more.’.
![[Clayton later revealed he returned to the sport as he wants to win for his wife and kids]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/27/20/93528205-14206661-image-a-4_1735330252908.jpg)
Darts player Johnny Clayton has revealed he almost quit darts following the death of his father last year. World number seven Clayton secured his spot in the fourth round of the World Darts Championship after surviving a late charge from Daryl Gurney to win 4-3 at Alexandra Palace.
Following his triumphant win an emotional Clayton admitted he came close to calling it a day in the sport when his father, John, passed away suddenly in July 2023. The former plasterer from Pontyberem, who just turned 50, went on further to say that he is far from his best despite claiming victories over both Mickey Mansell and Gurney in his opening games at the World Championship.
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