Jonny Clayton dealt a decisive blow to Luke Littler’s pursuit of an unprecedented clean sweep of PDC majors in 2026, securing a comfortable 10-4 victory in the quarter-finals of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam on Saturday.
The world number one had already secured six premier titles this season, starting with his World Championship win in January. His previous victories included the World Masters, UK Open, Premier League, World Cup of Darts, and World Matchplay. Littler was aiming to add the World Series of Darts Finals, World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals to complete a historic monopoly over the calendar year.
However, an inspired performance from Clayton exposed Littler’s vulnerability under pressure. The Welshman will now face fellow countryman Gerwyn Price in Sunday’s second semi-final. The first semi-final will see England’s Ross Smith take on home favorite Gian van Veen.
Following the defeat, Littler’s path to completing the full major sweep is severely complicated. While the remaining ranking events—the World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals—remain attainable, his participation in the season finale is in doubt. Littler currently sits 125th on the Players Championship Order of Merit, requiring him to finish in the top 64 to qualify. With only six regular-season events remaining, the teenager has hinted he may withdraw from contention for that specific title.
Clayton reflected on the match by noting that Littler was not at his full flow.
Price vs Clayton in the semis sounds like a must-watch Welsh derby. Can’t wait for that matchup.
A clean sweep would have been historic, but can he even qualify for the Players Championship now?
Clayton looked unstoppable out there. Littler seemed frozen early on, never finding his rhythm.