Jonny Clayton delivered a cheeky message to teenage sensation Luke Littler following his Premier League triumph in Brighton, declaring the youngster must now pursue him up the standings.
Clayton secured victory over Michael van Gerwen to leapfrog his rival at the top of the table.
Littler was booed by spectators in the crowd, having clashed with Gian van Veen a week previously.
And with the youngster suffering an early exit, it allowed Clayton the chance to rise to the summit.
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"I'm back on top of the table, Luke Littler can start chasing me again," the Welshman quipped after his win.
The 51-year-old emphasised that his years competing at the highest level give him an edge in the Premier League format.
"It feels great to be honest. I know what it's like to be here, I've got the experience, I know what you need to get to finals night. Take your chances, play decent, you've got a good chance," the veteran added.
Jonny Clayton is dreaming of Premier League glory after his Brighton win over Michael van Gerwen
|PA
Clayton's remarkable victory came after he appeared destined for defeat against Van Gerwen in the final.
The Dutchman held a commanding 5-2 advantage but squandered several opportunities to close out the match.
"I thought the game was over at 5-2 up for Michael," Clayton admitted.
Luke Littler was subjected to jeers as he entered the arena and then suffered ironic cheers following a poor start from which he could not recover
| PALATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five facts darts fans might not know | PA/GBNEWS"He missed, he gave me a chance. You've got to take chances. That last leg was probably my best of the game."
The Welsh star capitalised on Van Gerwen's errors to complete an extraordinary turnaround, securing the Brighton title and reclaiming top spot in the Premier League standings.
Clayton's accuracy on the bullseye proved decisive throughout the Sussex evening, helping him dispatch Luke Humphries and Josh Rock en route to the final showdown with Van Gerwen.
"I love a bullseye. At the end of the day, I don't mind the bullseye. Sometimes they go, sometimes they don't. Those two legs, they went," he explained.
The Welshman arrived in Brighton with modest expectations but departed with silverware.
Jonny Clayton has already started looking ahead to the London finale
| PA"Tonight I just hoped for two points, anything after that is a bonus. Another trophy for the cabinet, I'm happy," Clayton said.
Looking ahead to the London finale, he added: "You just want to be in that top four. It's anybody's night, hopefully it's going to be mine."
The Premier League now heads to Rotterdam, with Clauton set to do battle with Van Gerwen in a showdown that has the makings of a classic.
As for Littler, the 19-year-old will be looking to put this week's setback behind him when he goes up against Gerwyn Price.