Jonny Clayton vs Damon Heta Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Matchplay | First Round
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Jonny Clayton and Damon Heta meet for the first time in over a year as both players begin their 2026 World Matchplay campaigns.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – ESPN+
Jonny Clayton vs Damon Heta prediction
Jonny Clayton has been incredibly consistent over the last couple of years, regularly reaching the latter stages of big events, but it's been a while since he managed to get over the line and add to his trophy collection.
The world number five initially struggled at the World Matchplay, winning just once across his first five visits, but he reached the final in 2023 and pushed James Wade all the way in a classic semi-final last year.
Aside from a quarter-final appearance in 2023, Damon Heta has lost at the first hurdle in his other four visits to Winter Gardens, while he has only really had any joy on the European Tour circuit this year, where he has reached three semi-finals.
The most recent of those came just last week in Leverkusen, so the Australian should be carrying a bit of confidence into this first-round encounter.
Clayton, though, has an extra gear in his game and the Welshman should be winning this against an opponent who has often struggled at this venue.
Jonny Clayton vs Damon Heta tip: Jonny Clayton to win
