Showing posts with label Neil Duff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neil Duff. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

10 MODUS Super Series Facts From the Q4QS Database

 


Over the past few weeks, I’ve been building a separate Q4QS database for the MODUS Super Series.

Rather than simply looking at the latest results, the idea is to bring together the Portsmouth-era MODUS history and see what the numbers can tell us about the players who have competed there.

There is a lot in it.

Thousands of matches, hundreds of players, head-to-head records, averages, 180s, checkouts, Finals Night appearances and weekly victories all give me plenty to explore. In fact, there is far too much for one article.

So I’m starting relatively simply.

Here are 10 facts from the Q4QS MODUS database, covering results through Series 15, Week 195. Week 196 has begun appearing in my data, but isn't complete, so I've left it out of the record-book cutoff.

1. Neil Duff is the MODUS marathon man

If there is one player who dominates the longevity records, it is Neil Duff.

Duff has appeared across 24 MODUS weeks and has played 466 recorded matches.

He has won 292 of them.

That means Duff currently leads my database for weeks played, matches played and matches won.

It is difficult to find a better illustration of just how much darts some players have played on the MODUS stage.

2. Duff has also won nine weekly titles

Those appearances haven't simply been about turning up.

Duff has collected nine weekly titles from his 24 weeks in the database, as well as reaching 11 finals and making 19 Finals Night appearances.

So while several players have produced spectacular shorter bursts at MODUS, Duff's record combines longevity with sustained success.

3. Darryl Pilgrim owns the biggest average in the database

The highest individual match average I have recorded belongs to Darryl Pilgrim.

Pilgrim averaged an extraordinary 122.69 against Dennie Olde Kalter during Week 49.

For context, only a tiny number of performances in the entire database even get close.

Connor Scutt and David Evans are among those next in line, both having recorded 120.24.

There is another rather remarkable Pilgrim average hidden in the database too — but I'm saving that one for another article.

4. Nobody has recorded more 100+ averages than Derek Coulson

One huge average can happen on one exceptional day.

Repeatedly averaging over 100 is something different.

Derek Coulson has recorded 45 match averages of 100 or more, the highest total in the Q4QS MODUS data.

Tom Sykes and Scott Taylor are next on 32 each, followed by Andreas Harrysson on 30.

Coulson's overall numbers are impressive too: across 272 recorded matches he has won 195, a win rate of 71.69%.

5. Steve West leads the 180 race

When it comes to maximums, Steve West sits at the top.

West has hit 561 recorded 180s across 371 matches.

That works out at just over 1.5 maximums per match.

There are players with even higher rates over smaller samples, something I'll look at separately, but nobody in the database has accumulated more maximums than West.

6. Luke Littler's MODUS numbers are ridiculous

Long before some of the biggest moments of his subsequent career, Luke Littler was producing some extraordinary numbers at MODUS.

Littler played in just five recorded weeks.

He reached Finals Night in all five and won four weekly titles.

Across his 110 recorded matches, Littler won 84 — 76.36% — and averaged 94.39 overall.

Among players with at least 100 matches in the database, both figures are currently the best.

He also averaged 100+ on 21 occasions and hit 208 maximums.

That's 1.89 180s per match.

7. Neil Duff has checked out 100+ on 147 occasions

Duff returns for another record, but this time it is finishing rather than appearances.

He has recorded 147 checkouts of 100 or more.

Scott Taylor is next with 134, while Steve West has 121.

The highest possible checkout of 170 has been achieved by numerous MODUS players, but accumulating three-figure finishes over several years is another measure of consistency.

8. Two match-ups share the rivalry record

One of the things I particularly wanted the database to uncover was how often the same players have crossed paths.

At the moment, two pairings share the lead with 13 meetings.

Andreas Harrysson v Mike Warburton has happened 13 times, with Harrysson leading the series 9-4.

Conan Whitehead v Darryl Pilgrim has also happened 13 times — and remarkably, Whitehead also leads that rivalry 9-4.

There are some wonderfully close rivalries sitting just below those two as well.

I'll definitely be returning to those.

9. Beau Greaves has recorded a 114.56 average

I also want this database to allow me to look properly at the performances of women who have competed at MODUS.

One number immediately stands out.

Beau Greaves has a best recorded match average of 114.56.

Across the matches currently captured for Greaves, she has won 31 of 40, giving her a 77.5% win rate.

Her overall recorded average is 93.75, she has produced six 100+ averages and hit 76 180s.

There is much more to investigate here, particularly because the dedicated Women's Weeks need to be treated separately from the normal mixed competition.

I think the women's MODUS record book deserves an article of its own.

10. MODUS has produced far more than a handful of familiar names

Perhaps the biggest thing I've noticed while building the database isn't one individual record.

It's the scale of MODUS.

There are around 600 different players represented in the database.

Some have become household names. Others have been MODUS regulars for years. Some appeared briefly and produced a performance that still sits remarkably high in the record books.

There is also a substantial international element.

I'm currently matching the MODUS player database against my Q4QS country data so I can establish exactly how many nations and home nations have been represented rather than guessing at the number.

Once that's complete, MODUS Around the World will be another article in this series.

This is only the beginning

These are deliberately some of the more straightforward records.

I've already found plenty of stranger ones.

There are remarkable losing averages, long winning streaks, incredibly even rivalries, whitewash records, deciding-leg records and players who seem to have spent half their MODUS careers playing one another.

There are women's records to explore properly, country records, the players with the greatest title strike rates and plenty more.

That's what I want to do with this database.

Rather than simply telling you what happened at MODUS last night, I want to use the history to find the stories sitting underneath the results.

This is Part One of the Q4QS MODUS Record Book. There is plenty more to come.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

MODUS Super Series Week 5 Preview: Klose Leads Another Fascinating 12-Player Field

The MODUS Super Series returns for Week 5 with another intriguing 12-player line-up, bringing together PDC experience, proven MODUS performers, international talent and several players arriving in particularly strong form.

On the numbers available to Q4QS, Daniel Klose is the obvious starting point.

The German comes into the week ranked 18th in the Q4QS database with a 90.53 average, and his recent results have been outstanding. Klose reached the quarter-finals of Challenge Tour 17, the final of Event 18 and then went unbeaten to win Challenge Tour 20, averaging 93.75 across the tournament. He subsequently stepped onto the Players Championship circuit and still averaged 97.68 and 95.43 in his two appearances there.

That makes him the statistical standout, but this is far from a one-player week.

Neil Duff brings experience and consistency

Former WDF World Champion Neil Duff is another player who should command plenty of respect.

Duff's Q4QS average sits at 84.18, and his recent results include a Vault victory at Waterlooville as well as a semi-final at an ADC Winmau Championship South event. His scoring remains highly competitive, with individual performances including a 103.66 against Leo Howard.

Duff has plenty of experience in longer-format competitive environments, and that can be particularly valuable in the unusual week-long MODUS format.

Jordan Brooks arrives from a World Masters semi-final

One of the more interesting names this week is Jordan Brooks, who comes into MODUS following an excellent run at the 2026 WDF World Masters.

Brooks reached the semi-finals there, winning six matches and averaging 84.12 across the event. His wins included Ron Meulenkamp, Stefan Schroder, David Flowers and Luka Matković, with several individual match averages in the high 80s. He is also 7-3 across his last ten matches in the Q4QS database.

That sort of tournament run suggests Brooks could be particularly dangerous if he settles quickly in Portsmouth.

Rogov's form deserves attention

Dmitrii Rogov may not have the same profile with UK viewers, but his recent record makes him difficult to ignore.

Rogov is 9-1 across his last ten, reached the final of the Cyprus International Darts Open and has subsequently made three semi-finals at Eastern European Darts Challenge events. His recorded match averages include a 95.37, while his overall Q4QS average stands at 80.85.

He looks like exactly the sort of player capable of outperforming expectations during a MODUS week.

Justin Smith comes in with winning form

There is plenty to like about Justin Smith's recent numbers too.

Smith is 8-2 across his last ten and recently went unbeaten to win a Vault event at Cardigan with an 85.51 tournament average. He followed that with a quarter-final at the Towy Sports Bar Open, averaging 80.04 across nine matches.

His notable performances include a 95.94 average in a 3-0 win over Jamie Evans.

With fewer qualifying events in the database than some of the field, his overall Q4QS average isn't yet displayed, but the performances we do have suggest plenty of ability.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven brings a high ceiling

Noa-Lynn van Leuven is another capable of producing numbers well beyond her overall average.

She reached a PDC Women's Series semi-final with an 86.10 event average and subsequently averaged 91.44 during a quarter-final run at the Swiss Open. Her notable recent performances include a 99.89 average in a 5-1 victory over Leanne Topper.

Recent Swedish Open results were less eye-catching, but the ceiling is clearly there.

Hamilton remains a threat

The most experienced name in the field is Andy Hamilton.

His recent Challenge Tour performances are probably more useful than some of the smaller local events in the database when assessing his chances this week. Hamilton reached the last 32 of Challenge Tour 16 averaging 88.42 and most recently averaged 86.42 in reaching the last 64 of Challenge Tour 20.

He has been around the highest level of the sport for years, and MODUS has repeatedly shown that experience can count for plenty when players have to negotiate multiple sessions across the week.

Six to Follow

Daniel Klose – The standout on recent numbers. A Challenge Tour winner, finalist and quarter-finalist in his last few outings, with a 90.53 Q4QS average.

Neil Duff – Experienced, consistent and still capable of producing very strong scoring bursts.

Jordan Brooks – Comes in fresh from a WDF World Masters semi-final and looks particularly well suited to the format.

Dmitrii Rogov – Perhaps the most intriguing player in the field. He is 9-1 recently and has been consistently reaching finals and semi-finals.

Justin Smith – 8-2 in his last ten with an 85.51 tournament average during a recent unbeaten title run.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven – Has the scoring ceiling to trouble anyone in the field and has produced several excellent tournament performances this season.

There are plenty of alternatives to those six.

Danny Goddard has been competing regularly on the Challenge Tour and has produced a 95.54 match average recently. Mark Layton has won two recent Vault events at Llandeilo and also reached a final and semi-final during a strong sequence of results.

Ziggy Schenk is harder to assess with only three qualifying events currently in the Q4QS database, but his Q-School results included a 90.12 event performance and an 84.96 match average.

The two players I currently have least Q4QS data for are Richard McKee and Martyn Turner, who were not matched to profiles in this export, so I wouldn't manufacture form lines for either of them.

A strong favourite – but an open week behind him

Klose deserves to begin the week as the player to beat on the available evidence. Very few players arrive at MODUS immediately after the sort of Challenge Tour sequence he has put together.

Behind him, though, it becomes much harder to separate the field.

Duff has the experience, Rogov and Brooks have excellent recent tournament form, Smith is winning events, Van Leuven has a very high scoring ceiling, and Hamilton remains capable of producing the numbers required at this level.

That should make MODUS Super Series Week 5 another fascinating week — and one where the battle to reach Saturday could prove every bit as interesting as the eventual title race.

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Modus Super Series Champions Week Preview

 


The stage is set for one of the biggest weeks of the Modus Super Series season, as twelve weekly winners return to battle it out for the coveted Champions Week title.

Every player has already proved they can win a week, but one name arrives with a remarkable record that immediately catches the eye.

Derek Coulson – The Man Everyone Has to Beat?

If there is one player carrying serious momentum into Champions Week, it has to be Derek Coulson.

Not only did he qualify for Champions Week, he did so in emphatic fashion by winning every single match during his qualifying week. That's a rare achievement at Modus level and sends a clear message to the rest of the field.

Coulson has also shown he possesses genuine scoring power. Earlier this season he fired a stunning 106.59 average at a PDC Players Championship and recorded an impressive 6-1 victory over Niko Springer. If he reproduces anything like that form this week, he'll take some stopping.

Robertson Arrives in Red-Hot Form

While Coulson may be the headline act, Scott Robertson is arguably the form player coming into the event.

The Scotsman has won his last ten matches in the Q4QS database and arrives after lifting both the England Open and Denmark Open & Masters titles. During that run he defeated WDF World Champion Neil Duff with a superb 103.58 average, highlighting the level he's currently producing.

Neil Duff Looking to Add Another Big Title

Former WDF World Champion Neil Duff is always a dangerous proposition.

Duff recently won the Eastern European Darts Challenge and arrives having won eight of his last ten matches. Champions Week has a habit of rewarding experience, and few players in this field possess more of it.

Young Talent Ready to Shine

Several younger players will believe this could be their breakthrough week.

Jack Aldridge has already shown he can compete with established names after defeating Michael Unterbuchner on the Challenge Tour, while Henry Coates continues to gain valuable experience through both the Development Tour and Players Championship circuit.

Both have demonstrated the scoring ability required to upset the favourites if they can find consistency over the week.

Dark Horses

Champions Week often throws up a surprise, and several players fit that description.

Jack Tweddell recently impressed against Raymond van Barneveld despite defeat and continues to produce strong performances.

Archie Self arrives in outstanding form after winning four Vault titles in recent months and boasting a 9-1 record from his last ten matches, while David Evans has already shown he can compete deep into PDC Challenge Tour events.

None of them will fear the occasion.

Six To Follow

🎯 Derek Coulson
🎯 Scott Robertson
🎯 Neil Duff
🎯 Jack Aldridge
🎯 Henry Coates
🎯 Archie Self

Storylines to Watch

  • 🏆 Can Derek Coulson continue the incredible form that saw him qualify by winning every match?
  • 🔥 Scott Robertson arrives on a perfect 10-match winning streak.
  • 💪 Can Neil Duff add another televised title to his collection?
  • ⭐ Will one of the younger stars announce themselves on the Modus stage?
  • 🎯 Which weekly winner will handle the pressure of Champions Week best?

Prediction

Champions Week rarely follows the script, but it's difficult to look beyond Derek Coulson after the way he qualified.

Winning an entire qualifying week without defeat is an outstanding achievement, and if he can maintain that level he'll be the man everyone wants to avoid.

Scott Robertson looks the biggest challenger on current form, while Neil Duff's experience means he can never be discounted. Expect a week full of quality darts, high averages and plenty of drama before one player is crowned Champions Week champion.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Eastern European Darts Challenge Review: Duff Doubles Up Before Kádár Claims Final Title in Timișoara

 




The Eastern European Darts Challenge once again showcased the growing strength of darts across Eastern Europe, with three days of high-quality WDF competition in Timișoara producing six ranking champions across the men's and women's events.

More than 140 competitors from across Europe travelled to Romania for a packed weekend featuring three men's singles and three ladies' singles tournaments, with several established international names battling alongside emerging talent.

Duff dominates the opening events

The men's competitions were headlined by an outstanding weekend from former WDF World Champion Neil Duff, who claimed two titles from the opening two tournaments.

Duff opened the weekend by lifting the TIDO – WDF Open Singles, defeating the in-form Kaya Baysal 5–2 in the final. The Northern Irishman averaged over 96 in the championship match after producing another series of composed performances throughout the knockout stages.

He followed that success by adding the TDGP – WDF Open Singles title, once again winning 5–2, this time overcoming Hungary's Borbély András in the final. Duff rarely looked troubled throughout the tournament, recording numerous averages in the 90s and reinforcing why he remains one of the WDF circuit's most consistent performers.

Kádár finishes the weekend in style

Sunday belonged to László Kádár.

After navigating another exceptionally competitive field, Kádár captured the TDC – WDF Open Singles title with a thrilling 5–4 victory over England's Anthony Brown.

It proved one of the matches of the weekend, with both players producing high-quality darts before Kádár edged the deciding stages to lift the trophy. Earlier in the event he had defeated Kaya Baysal in another outstanding semi-final that also went the distance.

Tekauer and Olteanu share the honours

The ladies' events produced an equally compelling storyline.

Greta Tekauer dominated the opening half of the weekend, winning both the TIDO Ladies Singles and TDGP Ladies Singles, defeating Giulia Olteanu in both finals to establish herself as the player to beat.
Olteanu, however, responded brilliantly in the final tournament.

After another excellent run through the knockout stages she finally gained revenge, defeating Tekauer 5–4 in a closely contested TDC Ladies Singles final to prevent a clean sweep and finish the weekend on a high.

Outstanding performances

While six trophies were awarded, several players consistently impressed across all three days.

Neil Duff's two titles underlined his remarkable consistency, while Kaya Baysal featured deep into multiple events and recorded the highest average of the weekend with a superb 100.26. Anthony Brown, Dmitrii Rogov, Borbély András, Petr Touš, Simon Birkett and Mladen Radosavljević all enjoyed excellent weekends with repeated deep runs against strong opposition.
On the women's side, Greta Tekauer and Giulia Olteanu were deservedly the dominant figures, contesting all three finals between them and providing one of the defining rivalries of the weekend.

A successful weekend for WDF darts

The Eastern European Darts Challenge once again demonstrated the growing strength and depth of WDF competition. With competitive international fields, several outstanding individual performances and six deserving champions, the event delivered another memorable weekend for players and fans alike.

As the WDF season continues, many of the weekend's leading performers will carry valuable ranking points and confidence into the next round of international competition, with Neil Duff's double triumph and László Kádár's dramatic Sunday victory standing among the headline stories from Romania.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Former World Champions Still Chasing Glory – How Are They Performing in Q4QS?

 Winning a World Championship guarantees a place in darts history, but it doesn't guarantee a Tour Card for life.

One of the fascinating aspects of the modern darts landscape is seeing former BDO, WDF and PDC World Champions continuing to compete on the grassroots and open circuit long after their days on the biggest stages.

Using the latest Q4QS rankings database, I took a look at some former World Champions who are still active and how they are performing in 2026.

Scott Waites (BDO World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #28

Arguably the standout performer on this list.

The two-time BDO World Champion sits comfortably inside the Q4QS Top 30 and continues to produce high-quality darts. His average of 89.26 and 64.6% win rate show that he remains one of the most dangerous players on the open circuit.

Many players would still dread seeing Waites appear in their section of the draw.

Neil Duff (WDF World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #99

Neil Duff continues to prove that his Lakeside triumph was no fluke. He boasts one of the strongest records of any former world champion currently outside the professional tour structure.

With 42 wins from 49 matches and an outstanding 85.7% win rate, Duff remains a major force wherever he plays.

Steve Beaton (Former PDC World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #139

"The Bronzed Adonis" may have stepped away from the PDC Tour, but he clearly hasn't stopped winning matches.

Beaton has won 27 of his 37 recorded matches and carries a strong 73.0% win rate. His consistency continues to make him a threat at events around the country.

Lisa Ashton (BDO Women's World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #267

One of the most successful women's players in history, Ashton remains highly competitive.

Her 81.6% win rate is among the best of any player featured in this article, demonstrating that she is still regularly making deep runs in tournaments.

Jelle Klaasen (BDO World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #441

The youngest-ever BDO World Champion is still active and competing regularly.

Klaasen remains capable of producing quality performances and continues to be a recognisable name from one of the most memorable eras of Lakeside darts.Richie Burnett (BDO World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #617

The 1995 World Champion continues to compete and remains a familiar face on the circuit.

While the results are naturally not as dominant as during his peak years, Burnett still maintains a winning record and continues to add matches to an already remarkable darts career.

John Part (PDC World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #676

Three-time World Champion John Part remains one of the most respected figures in the sport.

Although much of his time is now spent in commentary and media work, he still appears in events and continues to test himself against the next generation of players.

Trina Gulliver (BDO Women's World Champion)

Current Q4QS Rank: #1345

A true pioneer of women's darts, Gulliver remains active and continues to record victories more than two decades after establishing herself as one of the sport's greatest champions.

What Does It Tell Us?

One thing becomes clear from the Q4QS database: class doesn't disappear.

Some former world champions are still competing at a level capable of challenging elite players, while others continue to play simply because they love the game.

Whether they are fighting for titles, enjoying the competition, or inspiring the next generation, these former champions continue to leave their mark on the darts scene long after their names were etched onto famous trophies.

Welcome to Questforqschool.com

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