Jonny Clayton may have ended Josh Rock's dream debut run at the World Darts Championship, but the Welshman was full of praise for the rising Northern Irish star.
The Broughshane ace was tipped as the one to watch at Ally Pally after his meteoric rise to fame this year.
And he enhanced his glowing reputation further with wins over Jose Justicia, Callan Rydz and 10th seed Nathan Aspinall.
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On Thursday evening though seventh seed Clayton came from behind to defeat Rock 4-3 and reach the quarter-finals for the first time.
Rock led 3-2 before Clayton fought back to force a deciding set in which he won all three legs.
Speaking afterwards though Clayton hailed the 21-year-old's talents and predicted a very bright future for him.
"He's brilliant, absolutely brilliant, that kid has everything," he said.
"What is he 21? He has a long, long time to lift a lot of trophies.
"Fair play to Josh he was fantastic. He is an up-and-coming star. What a nice guy and what a player.
"I had to do a job and I did it. That's all I can say. Hopefully I can get to the end.
“It’s unknown territory for me now, but it’s a good place to be.
“Josh went off like a train. I was trying to play at his pace but I had to play my game. It was my night - it was a fantastic game.
“I always think I’m a contender. I know if I play my game, I can do it. It just needs to come together, so hopefully it’s my year.”
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