ADC Championship 2026 – Events 1–4 Weekend Review

 Southern: Aylesbury (Bradmoor Farm) • Northern: Middlesbrough Sports Village

The 2026 ADC Winmau Championship season got underway with a major structural change  and it’s one that looks like an instant success.

For the first time, the ADC has split the Championships into two parallel regional tours, North and South, while also removing the previous entry cap. The result? Bigger fields, stronger competition, and arguably the most accessible set of amateur Championships the ADC has ever delivered.

Across the opening weekends in Aylesbury and Middlesbrough, the new format immediately proved its worth.

Event Format Overview

Both the Southern and Northern Championships follow the same structure:

Each region hosts 12 Championship events, split across three weekends, with four events per weekend.
There is a £34,000 prize fund per region, plus a £10,000 Grand Final for the top qualifiers.
Each Championship event pays £1,000 to the winner, with prize money extending down to the quarter-final stage.
Finals are streamed live, adding valuable exposure for players progressing deep into events.

With Bradmoor Farm hosting the South and Middlesbrough Sports Village anchoring the North, players now have genuine geographical choice  one of the key goals of the new system.

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Southern Championship – Aylesbury (Bradmoor Farm)

Events 1–4

Bradmoor Farm once again delivered a packed and competitive weekend, with the removal of the old 256-player cap noticeably deepening the field.

The standout performance came in Event 1, where Dai Davies set an early benchmark for the season. Davies claimed the opening title with an impressive tournament average in the mid-80s, backed up by heavy scoring in the opening nine darts and composed finishing under pressure. Across the weekend, he looked sharp, controlled, and confident — a serious early contender in the Southern standings.

Beyond the winner, there were plenty of encouraging performances across Events 1–4. Players such as Steve West, Ashley Coleman, Alan Slater, Zak Cross, Mark Stafford, Dan Perry, Graham Hall, Lloyd Pennell, and Curtis Hammond all reached the quarter-final stage in Event 3, highlighting the depth of competition already emerging in the South.

Once again, Bradmoor Farm received praise for its organisation and atmosphere, cementing its reputation as one of the strongest amateur darts venues in the country.

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Northern Championship – Middlesbrough Sports Village

Events 1–4

While detailed match breakdowns from the Northern opener are still filtering through, all indicators point to a strong and competitive launch.

The Middlesbrough Sports Village proved a fitting venue for high-volume amateur darts, and the open-entry format ensured a large, motivated field. With £1,000 on offer per event, interest was high from established ADC regulars and ambitious new names alike.

One notable strength of the new structure is flexibility: ADC members are free to compete in either region, and many players continue to do both. That crossover ensures the Northern standings will quickly become highly competitive as the season progresses.

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General Impressions After Events 1–4

The opening weekends have already revealed several key takeaways:

Bigger Amateur Fields
The removal of entry caps has allowed far more players to compete, raising overall standards and creating deeper, more meaningful competitions.

Dual-Region System Is Working
Splitting the Championships into North and South has genuinely expanded access. Players can now compete regionally without sacrificing quality  or choose to play both regions and build ranking points aggressively.

Early Form Guide
In the South, Dai Davies has set the pace, while a strong group of experienced ADC names are already pushing close behind. In the North, the competitiveness is clear, even if standout names will emerge more clearly over the next block of events.

Prize Money & Pathways
With strong regional prize funds, a Grand Final, and a clear pathway into the ADC Global Championship, the ADC now offers one of the most attractive amateur darts routes in the UK — competitive, televised, and financially meaningful.

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Summary

The opening phase of the ADC Championship 2026 delivered exactly what the restructure promised:

Bigger participation
Wider regional access
Higher-quality darts
A strong early benchmark performance from Dai Davies
Competitive fields in both North and South with plenty still to unfold

As Events 5–8 arrive later in the season, the tables will begin to take shape — and we’ll get a clearer picture of who’s pushing for Portsmouth, who’s chasing global qualification, and who might emerge as this year’s amateur breakthrough story.

PDC Women’s Series 2026 – Opening Weekend Review

 The opening weekend of the 2026 PDC Women’s Series has already delivered a very clear storyline: Beau Greaves remains miles ahead of the field.

Across the four events in Hildesheim, Greaves extended her unbeaten Women’s Series run to an extraordinary 113 consecutive matches, sweeping all four titles with a blend of dominant scoring and ruthless finishing. It wasn’t just that she won , it was how comfortably she did it.

What we saw over the weekend was a player operating at a level that currently feels untouchable.

Beau Greaves: Total Control

Greaves was simply imperious throughout all four events. Ton-plus averages became routine, and even the very best in the women’s game struggled to take legs, let alone matches, off her.

The standout moment came in the Event Four final, where she whitewashed Lisa Ashton with a 100+ average and  a performance that perfectly summed up the weekend. Earlier in the event, she had already brushed aside the likes of Fallon Sherrock, Deta Hedman, Kim Holden, and Angela Kirkwood with similar authority.

After just one weekend, Greaves sits comfortably clear at the top of the 2026 Women’s Series Order of Merit, already holding a commanding lead. Even more impressively, she’s doing all this while balancing a full PDC ProTour schedule  and showing no signs of fatigue.

The Chasing Pack: Who’s Closest?

Lisa Ashton
Ashton once again proved she is the best of the rest. She reached multiple finals over the weekend and remains Greaves’ nearest challenger on the rankings. However, even at her sharpest, she couldn’t seriously threaten the world number one. The gap is still very real.

Fallon Sherrock
Sherrock remains the player most capable of producing big moments and high averages, and there were flashes of that form again this weekend. She reached the latter stages consistently and sits third in the early standings, but even mid-90s darts weren’t enough to slow Greaves when it mattered.

Robyn Byrne
Byrne showed signs of solidity, reaching later rounds and producing tidy performances. However, her scoring remains a level below the very top. She continues to hover in the low-to-mid 60s on average, which currently isn’t enough to trouble the elite trio.

Potential Breakthrough Player

Jade Gofford
One of the most encouraging stories of the weekend was Jade Gofford. She reached the Top 16 with an impressive performance against Rhian O’Sullivan, averaging over 80 in defeat, and posted several mid-70s averages earlier in the event.

She currently sits inside the top five on the Women’s Series rankings, reflecting genuine progress. While she isn’t yet scoring heavily enough to challenge Greaves across a full match, her upward trajectory is clear  and of the emerging names, she looks the most likely to take a significant step forward this season.

The Dutch Contingent

Dutch participation was lighter than usual this weekend due to the Dutch Open taking place at the same time. That event was won by Priscilla Steenbergen, who claimed the women’s title with an impressive final victory.

Steenbergen’s success underlines the depth of Dutch women’s darts, and her confidence and momentum could make her an interesting contender when she returns to the Women’s Series circuit. Whether that translates into challenging Greaves this year is another question , but she is certainly one to watch.

Is Anyone Ready to Challenge Beau Greaves?

Right now, the honest answer is no.

Greaves is operating at a level rarely seen in the women’s game, routinely producing averages in the 95–107 range across multiple events in a single weekend. Neither Sherrock nor Ashton, both proven champions, can live with her when she’s in full flow.

If there is a name to keep an eye on as the season progresses, Jade Gofford appears to be showing the clearest signs of upward movement. But the gap at the top remains enormous.

Looking Ahead

With the Dutch players returning, Steenbergen carrying confidence from her Dutch Open triumph, and Gofford’s continued improvement, the field should look stronger when Events 5–8 roll around.

For now, though, one thing is clear: Beau Greaves is rewriting the standards of the Women’s Series, and the rest are still playing catch-up.

My Progress Over the Last Few Weeks – A Breakthrough?

 

It’s been a strange few weeks. Life has thrown its usual mix of busy spells and distractions, which meant the blog took a temporary back seat. But one thing I didn’t step away from was the practice board  and, in a quiet sort of way, things have started to change.

I’ve been here before, thinking I’d made a breakthrough, so I’m saying this carefully.
But something really does feel different this time.

Thursday 22nd January – A First on a Thursday Night

This was the first real sign that things might be moving in the right direction.

I played five group games  and won all five.

On a Thursday, with an Open-standard field, that simply doesn’t happen for me. The averages weren’t spectacular, but that didn’t matter. Winning was the priority, and I felt sharp, solid, and genuinely competitive.

I eventually went out in the Last 16, but even that didn’t sting. I walked away feeling good and better than I had in quite a while.

Thursday 29th January – A Tough Group, Better Scoring

A week later, the results on paper didn’t look as impressive: just two wins from five.

But context matters. It was a very tough group.

My scoring was noticeably improved and, although doubles let me down at key moments, I had chances in every match. These were players I’d normally expect to lose to comfortably, yet this time I was pushing them, taking legs, and losing narrowly.

Instead of feeling deflated, I walked away thinking:

I’m starting to mix it with the next level up.

Thursday 5th February – Consistency Emerging

This night felt like a blend of the previous two weeks:

• Really solid scoring

• Four wins out of five in the group

• Another Last 16 exit  but one that could easily have gone my way

My opponent produced a 17-dart leg to win the deciding leg 3–2. Hard to complain about that — sometimes you just get hit with a cracking leg at the wrong moment.

Once again, though, the key takeaway was that my level stayed high.

So… What’s Changed?

Interestingly, the breakthrough didn’t come on the oche.

It came while I was marking and refereeing at Challenge Tours and Masters qualifiers.

Being around higher-level players forced me to really pay attention  not just to how good they were, but how they played:

Their stance
Their throw
Their rhythm
Their arm path
Their overall movement

As I watched, I started comparing everything to my own technique  and that’s when I noticed something big.

My arm was going back twice before the throw.

Almost nobody else did this.

Most players had one clean movement: back and forward, smooth and controlled.

So I started testing it in practice.

At first it felt weird. Then awkward. Then suddenly… it clicked.

And when it clicked, the darts grouped properly.
Straighter, tighter, and far more predictable.

Taking It Into Competition

My practice routines focus heavily on grouping and doubles, but I didn’t fully realise how much this technical tweak had helped until I took it into live match play.

Suddenly:

• Trebles were appearing more often

• Doubles were going in more consistently

• My confidence felt calmer and more assured

Even the losses felt like good losses — games where I still played proper darts.

Right now, I’m consistently around a 60 average, and the next goal is clear:

Push towards a consistent 70 over the next six months.

If I can do that  and I genuinely believe I can. I’ll go into competitions feeling like I belong and can make real progress.

For the first time in a long while,
that feels very possible.

Helena, Jen & David — Darts Creators Bringing Fun, Personality & Play to the Online Oche

 

In the world of darts, there’s the pro circuit with televised tournaments and ranking glory… and then there’s the social side — the people who make darts feel friendly, relatable, and fun on social media. Let’s meet three of those voices: Helena, Jen Mounts, and David Williams (Darts4Fun) Creators who show that darts isn’t just a sport but a community.

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👩‍🎯 Helena — Helena Darts

Platforms: Instagram, Facebook (plus bio links to other channels)

Helena brings an energetic and authentic voice to darts content. Her social feeds mix practice shots, fun clips, heartfelt moments, and ones that remind everyone that improvement — and enjoyment — are part of the journey. Helena’s presence is all about connection and positivity within the darts community.

✨ Where to find her:

• Instagram (@HelenaDarts) — reels and clips showing real darts moments.

• Facebook Page — community posts and updates linked to her darts journey.

📌 Why fans like Helena: Her content feels familiar — like following a friend’s progress, wins and misses included.

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🏆 Jen Mounts — Jen Mounts Darts

Platforms: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube

Jen Mounts shares darts content with a creative and playful vibe. Her presence across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube includes friendly games, challenges, and fun interactions — often with friends and family — making the sport engaging even for casual fans. While she might post match-style videos, it’s her fun-focused approach that stands out.

✨ Where to find her:

• Instagram (@jenmountsdarts) — photos and short clips.

• Facebook Page — community engagement and darts vids.

• YouTube (Jen Mounts Darts) — longer videos and variety content.

📌 Why fans like Jen: She lights up the feed with light-hearted darts action, perfect for anyone who loves watching darts just for fun.

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🎯 David Williams — Darts4Fun

Platforms: Instagram (@d_williams180), Facebook, YouTube

David Williams, known online as Darts4Fun, is another creator making waves with his social darts content. His Instagram handle @d_williams180 features challenging reels, friendly competitions, and community-style content tagged with #darts4fun.

David also shares content on Facebook — including short videos and playful features like “Guess the player” — and appears in longer YouTube clips that mix fun moments with more structured darts play, sometimes connected to series like the Modus Super Series.

✨ Where to find him:

• Instagram (@d_williams180) — fun reels, challenges, and darts life clips.

• Facebook Page (Darts4Fun) — community posts and video shorts.

• YouTube — Darts4Fun / David Williams clips — curated fun moments and match footage.

📌 Why fans like David: His content brings friendly competition and witty challenges, reminding viewers that darts is at its best when it’s entertaining and inclusive.

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🌟 Why This Social Scene Matters

What unites Helena, Jen, and David isn’t professional rankings or titles — it’s personality, community, and play. Their content:

• Makes darts accessible and fun — not just about 180s and checkouts.

• Connects people — fans can join in via comments and shared jokes.

• Gives everyone a reason to grab a set of darts — whether to practice or just smile at the screen.

Social media has broadened darts beyond pubs and arenas into daily feeds around the world — and these creators are a big part of that.

Q School Stage One Summary: Stats, Statements and Stage Two Beckons

 Stage One of Q School is now complete, so it feels like a good time to take stock before attention turns to Stage Two and the chance to secure that elusive PDC Pro Tour Card.

As ever, Stage One gave us a fascinating mix of stories: experienced campaigners finding form at the right time, big names leaving it late, and a few quieter qualifiers putting their hands up as serious contenders.

Stage One – Key Stats

Below are some of the standout statistical performers from Stage One.

100+ Average hitters:

UK Q School

• Highest Tournament Average: Llew Bevan – 93.80

• Most 180s: John Henderson – 27

• Most 140s: John Henderson – 80

• Top Checkout Percentage: Llew Bevan – 50%

European Q School

• Highest Tournament Average: Benjamin Pratnemer – 90.2

• Most 180s: Jeffrey de Zwaan – 20

• Most 140s: Roger Janssen – 62

• Top Checkout Percentage: Jimmy van Schie – 44%

UK Stage One: Experience Shows

In the UK, John Henderson has certainly made a statement. His scoring power was relentless, particularly on Day 3, and his stats back up what the eye test suggested and he looks fully motivated to get back on the main tour. Henderson goes into Stage Two full of confidence and could be a serious factor if that scoring continues.

Llew Bevan also qualified with relative ease and was statistically one of the standout players of Stage One. His combination of heavy scoring and excellent doubling suggests he’s well equipped for the longer grind ahead.

Another former World Champion also looked in good shape, moving through Stage One comfortably and reminding everyone that experience still counts for plenty in this format.

Others had to take the scenic route. Scott Mitchell left it late and was close to elimination before producing a crucial run to qualify automatically in the last 32. John Part did just enough, scraping through as the final qualifier on the Order of Merit. Interestingly, in 2024, the last Order of Merit qualifier went on to earn a Tour Card in Stage Two, so perhaps the omens are good for “Darth Maple”.

Two additional names worth flagging are David Sharp of Scotland and Adam Leek from Australia. Both recorded two 100+ averages during Stage One and arrive at Stage Two quietly dangerous. They may not be headline names, but this is the sort of form that can carry a player deep into the week.

European Q School: Strong Signals Early

Over in Germany, the current WDF World Champion Jimmy van Schie eased through on Day One and looked every bit one of the favourites to secure a Tour Card. Calm, efficient, and consistent — exactly what Q School demands.

Arno Merk and Teemu Harju, fresh from positive performances at Ally Pally, made light work of qualification too. Jeffrey de Zwaan showed signs of being close to his best again, and he’ll be hoping this is the week he earns a return to the Pro Tour after several years at that level.

Two players who have really caught the eye are Ricardo Ulrich and Roger Janssen. Both have looked in excellent form, and sometimes Q School is all about timing. They may well have picked the perfect moment to peak.

On to Stage Two

Stage One has done exactly what it always does: thinned the field, sharpened the focus, and set up four intense days ahead. Now comes the real test — consistency, nerve, and the ability to handle pressure when everything is on the line.

Over the next four days, we’ll find out who has what it takes to join the PDC Pro Tour.

Q School Preview: The Toughest Week in Darts Begins

Q School starts on Monday 5th January, and I’m genuinely excited. It’s arguably my favourite tournament of the year , not because of the glitz or prize money, but because of what it represents. This is where darts dreams are either tested, realised, or heartbreakingly put on hold.

For some players, Q School is simply about seeing where they’re at. A chance to measure themselves against the very best and experience the intensity of elite-level competition. For others, though, it can be a life-changing week , the difference between grinding away on the fringes and earning a place on the PDC Pro Tour.

My own aim is to enter Q School in 2027, and I’d place myself firmly in that first category: someone wanting to test themselves and see how far they’ve come. Fingers crossed that by this time next year, my level is strong enough to justify taking that step.

One of the beautiful things about Q School is that anyone over 16 can enter. It’s a completely open field. That means you’ll see players with very little tournament experience throwing alongside seasoned campaigners who’ve spent years on the Challenge Tour, Development Tour, Women’s Series, WDF circuit , and even former World Championship and major tournament winners. That mix is what makes Q School so fascinating.

How Q School Works

Q School takes place across two venues:

• One in England, predominantly featuring UK and Ireland-based players (though international players often attend).

• One in Germany, mainly made up of mainland European players, again with a strong international flavour.

The competition is split into two stages.

Stage One

Stage One is played over three days, consisting of three separate tournaments.

• The last 16 from each tournament automatically qualify for Stage Two.

• Players who don’t reach the last 16 still have a chance through the Order of Merit.

• Players earn one point for each match won (excluding preliminary rounds), with leg difference also counting.

• Depending on how many players are already exempt into Stage Two, a certain number from the Order of Merit will progress.

• Typically, around four points is enough to get through.

Stage Two

Stage Two features:

• All qualifiers from Stage One

• Players exempt from Stage One, including those who have just dropped off the Pro Tour, and players who performed well on the Women’s Series, Challenge Tour, and Development Tour

Stage Two is played across four tournaments:

• The winner of each tournament earns a PDC Tour Card.

• The remaining Tour Cards are awarded via a Stage Two Order of Merit, usually around 10 in the UK and 10 in Europe, depending on numbers.

Why Q School Is So Unpredictable

Q School can be a real lottery. So much depends on the day:

• Is the draw kind?

• Can a player back up a good performance the next day?

• Does someone have one of those freak runs that completely ignores the form book?

Consistency, temperament, and timing are everything — and that’s what makes the next seven days so compelling.

With all that in mind, here are eight players from each venue that I’ll be keeping a close eye on. I’m not sure how many will make it through, but they’re all well worth watching as Q School unfolds.

Q School UK

Steve Beaton - Great to see the 'Bronzed Adonis' trying to win back his Tour Card. A player that has arguably the most experience in the field, not to mention he is a former World Champion. Still a very good player at his best and will be no surprise to see him qualifying. 

Charlie Manby - One of the favourites to make it through. He has had an incredible year and seems to be improving all the time. His run at the pDC World Championship has put him firmly on the radar, and showed that he would not be out of place on the main Tour. 

Ryan Branley - Ryan has already shown his class on the JDC and now noted as one of the best young players in the world. He has also shown he can compete on the Development Tour and MODUS Super Series and mix it with the best. If he can hold his nerve, he may well come through. 

Derek Coulson - This is someone that those inside darting circles will all be wary of. Coulson has bags of experience, and in 2025, seemed to make the MODUS Super Series his own. Defeating top names on a regular basis, he will have a lot of confidence, and I could see him going close.

Archie Self - Another one of the crop of very talented yongsters coming through. Another that has been JDC World number one, he will want to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors. He has been mixing it with the senior players on the ADC Tour and MODUS Super Series and did not look out of place. 

Gemma Hayter - One of only very few female entries, Gemma comes here as a real contender. She qualified for her first PDC World Championships this year, giving Josh Rock a run for his money. She is capable of consistent scoring and is certainly not there to make up the numbers.

David Davies - This Welsh player has lots of experience on the WDF and Challenge Tours, as well as the MODUS Super Series stage. He also made his PDC World Championship debut this year and made round two, losing only to Luke Littler. He showed his class and calm under pressure. I will be very surprised if he doesn't go close. 

Tom Lonsdale - A bit of a wildcard choice, although he did go very close in 2024. This player is particularly well known in the South West, where he is one of the top players. He has had a decent Challenge Tour season and performed well on the MODUS Super Series stage. If he can get a kind draw, he may surprise a few. Can be a very big scorer. 

Q School Europe

Jimmy van Schie - I will be very surprised if this Dutch player does not make it this time around. The current WDF World Champion showed real class in that tournament and can hit the very high averages. He has loads of experience in pressure situations and I believe this is his year. Definitely one that belongs on the Pro Tour. 

Danny van Trijp - Van Trijp has played on the Pro Tour before and is experienced enough to negotiate his way through again. A good season on the Challenge Tour, he also played well on the ADC Global Tour. He should challenge up to the very last. 

Arno Merk - Not too much was known outside of his native Germany until the PDC World Championship, where he really made a mark and stormed through to the third round. He has played well in the German series events, competing with the best Germany has to offer. He showed he has what it takes and will be riding high on confidence. 

Grant Sampson - With the emergence of African darts, I feel it is important to choose one of the continent's stalwarts. Sampson has lots of experience, and been one of the top Adrican players for several years. He has played in the PDC World Cup and PDC World Championships. Is this his time to shine? I hope so, as it will keep the African darts momentum running at it current rapid pace .

Andreas Harrysson - even prior to his PDC World Championship exploits,e he reached round 4, it seems a big surprise that the big Swede is not a Pro Tour player already. He took the Baltic Tour by storm and has consistently played well at the MODUS Super Series. He can be a very big hitter and should run very close by the end of qualifying

 

Cristo Reyes - It was fantastic to see Cristo Reyes back at Ally Pally in the World Darts Championships. He showed he has not lost his touch, so maybe his hunger for the game has reappeared. Maybe there could be another surge of the Spanish, as they have several names in the draw. Reyes at his very best will go far, so will be interesting to see how he plays. 

Boris Krcmar - This giant Croatian was unlucky to have lost his Tour card in 2024 and will be keen to get back on Tour quickly. He has shown his class at WDF tournaments in 2025 as well as maintaining his outstanding form at soft tip darts (he is a multiple World Champion).. At the PDC World Cup he showed he still has a lot to offer the game and he will go close. 

Petr Krivka - This Czech player is my wildcard choice. He is a quality player and played in the 2025 PDC World Cup. Czechia has a history of producing good darts players, and maybe Krivka can join that list of Tour players. On his day he is as good as most in the field, so with a kind draw and steady performances, we may see him challenging. 

Best of luck to all entrants across both venues!

Practice Update: Grouping, Confidence and an Upward Trajectory

 

One thing I’m really pleased with at the moment is my grouping. The darts are sitting much closer together, and it genuinely feels like progress rather than a short-lived purple patch. I’m fairly convinced this has come from the practice games I’ve been inventing, where the emphasis is on repetition, focus, and hitting areas of the board consistently rather than chasing big moments.

Those drills seem to be doing exactly what they were designed for. The wild darts are reducing, and even when I miss, I’m missing well, which is often the biggest difference between struggling and improving.

Tournament-wise, I know I need to get back into regular competition soon. I may try a Monday or Wednesday event to ease myself back in and then return to my usual routine of two tournaments per week. Match play is still the real test, and it’s important I don’t leave it too long before putting this progress under pressure.

Another interesting development is that my grip has naturally evolved slightly. I haven’t forced it, but I’ve noticed the darts are going in straighter, with less unwanted movement through the air. That’s usually a good sign. My hope is that I don’t revert back under pressure, because it feels like this change has come organically rather than through overthinking, which is exactly what I want.

My trusty Mervyn King darts are still performing well, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted by something new. The Wessel Nijman darts have caught my eye recently; the grip profile looks like it could suit my throw really well. That said, I’m not rushing into anything. I’ll give it a couple of weeks, see how things settle, and then decide whether a switch is genuinely needed.

For now, I’m encouraged. Things feel like they’re moving in the right direction and that’s not something I take lightly.

PDC World Championship Final Preview: Littler vs Van Veen – From Development Tour Rivals to the Biggest Stage

 It feels almost surreal to be writing this. The PDC World Darts Championship final will be contested by Luke Littler and Gian van Veen , two players who not long ago were pushing each other week after week on the Development Tour, dreaming of nights like this rather than living them.

And yet, here they are.

Luke Littler’s route to the final has been built on expectation. Ever since his breakthrough, every tournament has come with the weight of assumption that he should go deep, and once again, he’s delivered. Along the way, he’s had to deal with pressure, tough opposition,tough crowd and the knowledge that anything less than a title run would be seen as a disappointment.

He’s overcome seasoned professionals, navigated tricky moments, and used his experience brilliantly. Matches against established names tested his composure, but Littler did what champions do, he found gears when needed and managed games superbly. For all his youth, he now plays like someone who understands exactly what it takes to win on this stage.

Gian van Veen’s journey, though, has felt different. Quieter. More understated. But perhaps even more impressive.

This year has been a genuine breakthrough for Van Veen. He’s taken huge steps forward, claiming his first televised title, climbing the rankings, and proving he belongs among the elite. His performances throughout this World Championship have been a continuation of that upward curve.

The standout moment for me was his semi-final against Gary Anderson. Many players freeze against a two-time world champion on that stage,but Van Veen didn’t. He was calm, controlled, and utterly unfazed by the moment. He managed the pace, trusted his throw, and never looked like the occasion was getting to him. That composure will serve him well in the final.

What makes this matchup so compelling is their shared history. Littler and Van Veen know each other’s games inside out. They’ve been rivals for years, trading blows on the Development Tour, pushing standards higher with every meeting. There’s no mystery here, just two players who know exactly what the other is capable of.

On the night, Littler will arrive with more big-stage experience. He’s been here before, felt the noise, and understands the mental demands of an Ally Pally final. That matters. But Van Veen has something else - freedom. He’s the underdog, and I suspect the crowd will gravitate towards him, drawn to the calm challenger looking to complete an incredible rise.

This final feels like more than just a title decider. It feels like a marker for the next era of darts. Whether Littler asserts himself once again, or Van Veen completes his remarkable ascent, one thing is certain: this rivalry is only just beginning.

And we might be watching the first chapter of something special.

Back to PDC Marking: Challenge Tour Season Begins

 After a short break, I’m back at it with PDC marking and just in time for the first Challenge Tour of the year in a couple of weeks. 

I always look forward to this one because it’s usually the biggest Challenge Tour event in terms of entries. 

The mix of players is incredible: you’ve got names from last year’s Pro Tour, former world champions, and plenty of fresh faces making their debut.

 That’s what makes this event so exciting, you never know when you’ll see unearthed talent ready to make a splash. The atmosphere is electric, and the level of competition is fierce.

 For me, it’s a reminder of how deep the talent pool in darts really is. Here’s to another great season of Challenge Tour action. Let’s see who steps up and makes headlines this time!

Changing of the Guard? PDC World Championship Semi-Final Thoughts

 As we edge closer to the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship, one question keeps buzzing in my mind: are we witnessing a changing of the guard? 

This tournament has been anything but predictable, and that’s what makes it so compelling. We’ve seen some big names fall early such as Chris Dobey, Rob Cross, Peter Wright and Damon Heta . All gone before the business end of the competition. These are players who, not long ago, you’d have penciled in for deep runs. 

Their exits have opened the door for a new wave of talent, and wow, have they seized the moment. Charlie Manby has announced himself on the big stage, and Ryan Searle looks like he’s finally realising his full potential. But the standout story? Justin 'Happy Feet' Hood. His performances have been nothing short of sensational,especially that match against Josh Rock, where he hit 11 out of 11 doubles. That’s the kind of stat that becomes folklore. 

And then there’s the Littler factor. Yes, we expected him to go far, but the narrative isn’t just about him anymore. Gian van Veen has stepped up in a big way, climbing to world number three and looking every bit a future champion. Add in Gary Anderson, rolling back the years and reminding us that experience still counts for plenty, and you’ve got a tournament that feels like a crossroads moment for the sport. 

Looking ahead to 2026, I think we’re in for more surprises, more new names, and more unpredictability. Forget the 'two Lukes' storyline, this feels like it’s shaping into Littler vs Van Veen as the rivalry to watch. 

One thing’s for sure: darts is evolving, and this World Championship might just be the turning point.

Resetting for 2026: Fresh Goals and Renewed Focus

 First off, apologies for the radio silence.I’ve been away over Christmas and, to top it off, was unwell.

 Thankfully, I’m back to normal now and ready to hit the ground running. The downside? I lost some valuable practice time. So, I’ve decided to reset and start fresh from January 1st. My plan is simple: start from a 50 average and aim to hit high 70s by this time next year. If I can get there, I’ll head into Q School with a half-decent chance of not getting completely thrashed!

 I’ve got a few new practice games on my laptop that have been helping my grouping immensely. My goal is to get them polished and shareable soon—they’ve been a game-changer for me. Now it’s all about keeping control of my mind and trusting that the mechanics will take care of themselves. I did miss signing up for a couple of tournaments, which is frustrating, but I’m planning for my first tournament of 2026 next week. 

Honestly, I’m feeling really positive about my game. With focus and determination, I believe I can raise my levels significantly this year. Here’s to a big year ahead so  let’s make it happen!

Practice Update: Back to Basics and Building Confidence

 My practice over the last couple of weeks has been very much about stripping things back. I’ve stuck with the games I recently created on my laptop, all designed with one aim in mind, and that is getting back to basics.

Rather than chasing big checkout routines or endless 501s, the focus has been on hitting big numbers consistently, tightening up grouping, and cutting out the wild darts that have crept in during matches. I’ve been applying the same approach to doubles as well  with repetition, rhythm, and confidence rather than forcing finishes.

So far, it seems to be going in the right direction. The darts feel more controlled, and perhaps more importantly, I feel more confident standing at the oche. There’s still work to do, but the throw feels more natural and less forced, which has been missing for a while.

A big part of this phase has also been mental. I’m making a conscious effort to quiet the noise in my head and stop overthinking every movement. When I allow the throw to flow, everything looks and feels better  and I’m starting to trust that again.

Last Wednesday’s Under 55 Average Tournament was encouraging. I played reasonably well and felt far more settled than in previous weeks. With that in mind, I’m confident I can make a real impression tomorrow if I keep things simple and relaxed.

Unfortunately, the Thursday open tournament sold out in record time, so I missed out on that one. It looks likely to be the same again this week, although I’ll put my name on the reserve list just in case. That said, I’m not too worried about tournaments right now.

At this stage, it’s less about chasing results and more about rebuilding confidence, sharpening fundamentals, and finding a smooth, fluid throw again. If I can do that, the results will take care of themselves.

The goal is to head into the new year in a strong place, calm, confident, and throwing darts the way I know I can.

Three More New Names Making an Impression at the World Championship

 One of the great traditions of the PDC World Darts Championship is the emergence of players many fans may not know in depth.Players who arrive quietly, win a match or two, and suddenly demand attention.

This year has been no different. Three more names have already earned their place in the conversation after first-round victories: Jonny Tata, Darren Beveridge, and Nitin Kumar. Each represents a different darts nation, each took a big scalp, and each has a story worth telling.

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Jonny Tata – New Zealand’s Calm Operator

Jonny Tata came into the tournament as one of New Zealand’s leading players, but outside Oceania he was still relatively under the radar. That changed when he produced a composed and mature performance to defeat Ritchie Edhouse in the opening round.

Tata has been a regular presence on the DPNZ circuit and has represented New Zealand internationally on multiple occasions. His game is built around control and consistency rather than explosive scoring, and he plays with a calm, unflustered rhythm that suits long-format matches.

Against Edhouse, Tata never looked rushed. He took his chances well, punished mistakes, and handled the Ally Pally stage with surprising ease. It was the performance of a player who had done his homework and believed he belonged at this level.

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Darren Beveridge – Scotland’s Big Moment

Scottish darts has a long tradition of producing tough competitors, and Darren Beveridge added his name to that list with a memorable first-round win over Dimitri Van den Bergh.

While Van den Bergh was clearly not at his best, Beveridge deserves full credit for taking advantage. Too often debutants shrink when handed an opportunity like that, but Beveridge did the opposite. He stayed disciplined, took out key finishes, and kept pressure on throughout the match.

Beveridge has spent years grinding away on the Scottish circuit and WDF events, gradually building experience and resilience. His game isn’t flashy, but it is solid, and his ability to stay composed under pressure was the standout feature of his performance.

That win will do wonders for his confidence and could be the platform for a deeper run than many expected.

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Nitin Kumar – A Landmark Win for India

Perhaps one of the most significant results of the opening round came from Nitin Kumar, who defeated Richard Veenstra to secure a historic victory for Indian darts.

Kumar has been a pioneer for the sport in India, competing regularly on the Asian Tour and representing his country at multiple World Championships. His presence on the PDC stage is part of the broader growth of darts across Asia, and his win felt like a real milestone.

Against Veenstra, Kumar showed impressive mental strength. He handled pressure moments well, stayed aggressive when needed, and never allowed the occasion to overwhelm him. It was a performance built on belief as much as ability.

For Indian darts, this result sends a powerful message  that players from emerging nations are no longer just making up the numbers.

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Why These Wins Matter

What connects Tata, Beveridge and Kumar is not just that they won first-round matches, it’s that they did so with control and conviction. None of them looked like tourists. Each played with a sense of purpose and showed they were capable of competing at this level.

These are the stories that make the World Championship special. New names, new nations, and new narratives emerging on the biggest stage in the sport.

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Final Thought

The World Championship isn’t only about lifting the trophy. It’s also about moments — moments that can define careers, inspire countries, and introduce fans to players they’ll be watching for years to come.

Jonny Tata, Darren Beveridge and Nitin Kumar have already made their mark. Now the question is: how far can they go?

World Championship Breakouts So far: Three Names You Might Not Know

 One of the enduring charms of the World Darts Championship is the way it shines a spotlight on players outside the usual headline acts. Every year, a handful of competitors arrive with little fanfare  and leave having made a real impression.

This year,, in the first few days, Arno Merk, Andreas Harrysson, and David Davies have all done exactly that, each announcing themselves in very different ways. 

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Arno Merk – Germany’s Calm Competitor

Arno Merk represents an ever growing darts nation in Germany, and his presence at the World Championship is no accident. A consistent performer in the German Super, League Merk has built his game on composure, discipline, and control rather than raw power.

In his first-round match, Merk showed impressive maturity, settling quickly and never looking overawed by the occasion. He played with a relaxed rhythm, managed the pace of the match well, and demonstrated a calmness on doubles that many debutants struggle to find. That was all key in defeating the vastly experiened Kim Huybrechts.

What stands out is his mindset. Merk throws like someone who expects to compete at this level, not someone simply happy to be involved. That confidence, combined with his steady style, makes him a dangerous opponent in any format.

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Andreas Harrysson – Sweden’s Scoring Force

Where Merk is measured and methodical, Andreas Harrysson is all about firepower. One of Sweden’s most talked-about players in recent seasons, Harrysson has long been known for his ability to score heavily when in rhythm.

That scoring power was on display in his opening-round victory against Ross Smith, where he immediately caught the eye with sustained pressure and aggressive finishing. Those on the inside may not have seen it as a big upset as Harrysson plays at a positive tempo, commits fully to his shots, and doesn’t shy away from big moments.

His performance suggested a player who is ready for this stage. If he continues to tighten up on doubles, his ceiling is very high  and he looks capable of causing problems for more established names.

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David Davies – Experience Paying Off

Welshman David Davies may not be new to high-level darts, but the World Championship has given him a platform to show just how far his game has progressed.

A regular on the Challenge Tour and a familiar face on the MODUS Super Series, Davies has built resilience through experience. That background was evident in his first-round win againt Mario Vandenbogarde, where he stayed composed under pressure and showed strong match awareness.

Davies doesn’t rely on flashy scoring spells, instead he grinds opponents down, takes his chances when they come, and rarely gives easy legs away. It’s a style that often goes under the radar but is incredibly effective on a big stage.

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Why These Performances Matter

What links Merk, Harrysson and Davies is not just that they won early matches — it’s how they did it:

• They looked comfortable on the biggest stage

• They played with belief rather than nerves

• They showed styles that can trouble higher-ranked opponents

These are the kinds of performances that turn 'unknown names' into players fans start watching more closely.

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Final Thought

Not every World Championship story is about lifting the trophy. Some are about making a statement and Arno Merk, Andreas Harrysson and David Davies have all done just that.

They may not go all the way this year, but they’ve already achieved something important: they’ve announced themselves.

And in darts, that’s often the first step toward much bigger things.

PDC World Championship 2025 Preview – The Eight Who Could Win It, and Four to Watch

 The most magical time of the darts year is here again. The PDC World Championship returns to Alexandra Palace, and for all the talk about form, rankings and seedings, one truth always remains: the Worlds has a mind of its own. Every year, a new story writes itself.

But in 2025, the landscape feels different. A new world number one. A defending champion who is still a teenager. A chasing pack with point to prove. And a handful of dangerous floaters capable of blowing up the draw.

Here is my comprehensive preview — two favourites, two major contenders, two maybes, two wildcards, and four players every fan should keep a close eye on.

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⭐ THE FAVOURITES

Luke Littler – The One to Beat

The newly crowned world number one and defending champion returns to Ally Pally with the weight of expectation  and yet somehow, he seems the least bothered by it. Littler has already rewritten what is possible for a young player, and his victory at the Players Championship Finals has only strengthened the argument that he is the best in the world right now.

He scores heavier than anyone, finishes ruthlessly when under pressure, and has the aura of a player who believes he is destined for more world titles. If he hits his level, very few can live with him.

Josh Rock – The Form Man of 2024–25

Josh Rock’s rise has been steady, methodical and impressive. This season, he has looked like the second-best player in the world, and some would argue he has been the most consistent performer on the floor and stage for months.

His scoring power is elite, and his temperament has matured massively. Rock has beaten the very best repeatedly this year  and perhaps arrives at Ally Pally looking like the most realistic challenger to the Littler crown.

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🔥 THE CONTENDERS

Gian van Veen – The New Generation’s Other Star

Back-to-back World Youth Championship titles tell you all you need to know about Gian van Veen. His ceiling is sky-high, and he has already proven he can take out top-ten talent on the biggest stages.

If he settles early and finds his natural rhythm, his scoring bursts make him a genuine threat to reach the back end of the event.

Gerwyn Price – Peaking at the Perfect Moment

For much of the year, Price has been searching for his A-game… and right when it matters, he appears to have found it. He’s playing with freedom again, averaging big, and showing flashes of the intensity that took him to the world title in 2021.

If he brings that level to the Worlds, he is far too dangerous to ignore  and his draw really opens up if he finds early momentum.

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⚡ THE MAYBES

Danny Noppert – Quietly Becoming a Real Problem

Noppert rarely gets the headlines, but he might be the most quietly consistent player on tour right now. Deep runs in multiple tournaments and a level of control that frustrates opponents makes him a nightmare draw.
He doesn’t blow players away,he he suffocates them. If the field takes their eyes off him, he could easily go deep.

Michael van Gerwen – Can You Ever Write Him Off?

It has been a strange season for MVG. There have been brilliant moments, patches of form where he looks unstoppable… and then long spells where the old dominance isn’t there. But this is still Michael van Gerwen, and Ally Pally has always brought something different out of him.

If he gets a spark early, just a couple of great legs, a couple of big finishes and he could build a title run from nowhere.

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🎯 THE SURPRISE PACKETS

Ryan Searle – The Dangerous Dark Horse

Searle is trending upwards at exactly the right time. His scoring has sharpened, his confidence appears to be returning, and he has the kind of explosive spell-scoring that wins matches at Ally Pally.
If he strings a few good sessions together, he is more than capable of taking out top seeds.

Ross Smith – Still Underrated, Still Lethal

Ross Smith played superbly against Luke Littler at the Players Championship Finals  despite losing. The level was there, the composure was there, and his groupings looked as good as they’ve ever been.
He is the type of player who, if he gets hot, could blow up a section of the draw.

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👀 FOUR PLAYERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Beau Greaves

Greaves has the talent to cause real damage. Her natural scoring and composure under pressure make her dangerous in any format.
But a tough opener against Daryl Gurney awaits. If she wins that, her tournament opens up beautifully.

Jesus Salate – A Historic Debut for Argentina

The first Argentinian player ever to grace the PDC World Championship stage. He plays an aggressive, high-tempo game. If he settles early, he’s capable of springing an upset and becoming one of the stories of the tournament.

David Munyua – Kenya’s First Representative

Another groundbreaking debut. Munyua arrives with nothing to lose and everything to gain. He has improved massively on the African circuit and has already beaten several established players in recent months.
Crowd could really warm to him  and that makes him dangerous.

Fallon Sherrock – A Potential Upset Brewing

Sherrock drew Dave Chisnall which is normally a nightmare opening match, but Chisnall is out of form, and Sherrock has produced decent darts this season. If she wins the big moments, a shock is very possible.

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🏆 Final Thoughts

This World Championship feels unusually open. Littler and Rock lead the field, but there are at least eight players with a real shot at lifting the trophy, and several potential breakthrough stories waiting to unfold.

Whether you're watching for the favourites, the form players, the dangerous outsiders or the historic debutants, this year’s Worlds could be something special.