Wales' Jonny Clayton claimed the 2026 SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters title on 15 August 2026, defeating fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price 8-4 in the final at Spark Arena in Auckland. The victory secured Clayton his first title at this event and avenged his defeat to Price in the 2022 final.
According to the PDC's official tournament coverage, the tournament ran across two days, 14 and 15 August 2026, with Clayton and Price emerging from separate halves of the draw to set up an all-Welsh showdown.
How did Clayton reach the final?
Clayton's route to the title was built on dominant form against strong opposition. He defeated top seed Gian van Veen 6-3 in the quarter-finals before beating England's James Wade 7-2 in the semi-finals, according to the PDC. Earlier in the competition, Clayton was pushed to the limit, needing a last-leg 6-5 win over Haupai Puha to progress, as reported by Darts World.
Price reached the final by beating Australian number one Damon Heta 6-2 and then Raymond Smith 7-2.
What happened in the final?
Clayton set the tone early, producing checkouts of 72, 158, 80 and 62 to surge into a 5-1 lead over his World Cup partner. Price briefly rallied, winning three consecutive legs, but Clayton composed himself and sealed victory with a 124 checkout to finish 8-4.
Despite the scoreline, the statistical margin was tight. Clayton averaged 94.96 in the final compared with Price's 95.49, according to Darts News. A clip circulated afterwards showing Clayton clinching the title with a bullseye finish, as shown in footage published by a national broadcaster's video coverage. The champion also received £30,000 in prize money, according to tabloid reporting on the event.
What did the players say?
Clayton reflected warmly on facing his World Cup-winning partner in the final.
It was great to play in the final with my World Cup partner. It just shows that two rugby boys can play darts, and to play against each other in the world of rugby here in New Zealand, I've got a smile on my face. I really enjoyed that. It's 1-1 now, so next year - winner takes all!
Price, who has won four World Series titles, acknowledged he was below his best but praised his opponent.
I wasn't great there. I missed a load of doubles, but take nothing away from Jonny - he played brilliantly. To get to a final is a big tap on my back, and I'll be even better next week in Australia.
How does this fit into their rivalry?
Clayton and Price share a close bond away from individual competition, having partnered to win the World Cup of Darts together in both 2020 and 2023. Their meeting in Auckland marked the second time they have contested a final at this event, with Price having beaten Clayton for the 2022 title. The tournament field also featured PDC representatives including Gian van Veen and James Wade, according to the Professional Darts Players Association. Defending champion Luke Littler did not take part in this year's event after withdrawing, according to a tournament record.
What happens next?
The World Series of Darts regular season now moves to Wollongong for the Australian Darts Masters, the next stop referenced in build-up coverage ahead of the New Zealand event by a national broadcaster's schedule preview. The World Series Finals are scheduled to take place in Amsterdam from 17 to 20 September 2026. Darts also returns to a national broadcaster's live coverage with the World Grand Prix beginning 28 September 2026, according to the same preview.
- Jonny Clayton beat Gerwyn Price 8-4 in the final on 15 August 2026 at Spark Arena, Auckland.
- Clayton averaged 94.96 in the final against Price's 95.49.
- The champion received £30,000 in prize money.
- Defending champion Luke Littler withdrew from the tournament.
- The World Series continues in Wollongong before Finals in Amsterdam, 17-20 September 2026.
