JONNY Clayton ended Ryan Searle's hopes of winning the World Matchplay Darts Championships at Blackpool last night (Fri).

Searle, who began playing darts in the Wellington League, put up a spirited fight in the quarter-finals before losing 16-12 after leading 7-6 at one stage.

Clayton, who is one of the favourties for the title, sealed victory with a 97.5 average, seven 180s, and six ton-plus checkouts in a typically clinical display by The Ferret.

However, reaching the last eight enabled Searle to collect £30,000 in prizemoney.