"If I replicate that, everyone gets crushed!" – Wade kicks off his dream run in Australia

Brody Klinge earned a place in the quarter‑finals of the KenoGo Australian Darts Masters after pulling off a stunning upset over Ross Smith in Wollongong. Klinge was the only player from the Oceania region to claim a win on a spectacular opening night at the WIN Entertainment Centre, clinching an 11‑dart finish that sealed a dramatic deciding‑leg victory against Smith. The match featured eight perfect 180s from Smith, but his composure slipped at the crucial moment when he missed two darts at double to win the decider. Klinge seized the opportunity, celebrating what he described as the biggest triumph of his career.

"I’m over the moon with that," Klinge said, noting his 96 average compared with Smith’s 102.88. "It was the adrenaline rush of my life. I felt a lot more comfortable playing this time around and I think that showed in my performance. Ross was throwing everything at me.

I was lucky he missed at the end there, but I took my chance. I’m on a free rein now. I’m just going to do my best and keep going. There’s no pressure on me." His reward is a clash with world No.

2 Gian van Veen on Finals Day, after van Veen produced a dazzling 161 checkout to complete a 6‑3 win over Raymond Smith. While Klinge’s match was the headline for the Australian crowd, the night’s most eye‑catching performance came from James Wade, who posted a staggering 112.73 average – the second‑highest ever recorded in a World Series of Darts event held in Australia – as he swept aside Tim Pusey in six straight legs. "That felt amazing. Everything just fell into my hands there," Wade admitted after sealing the win with a 164 finish.

He will now face Stephen Bunting in the quarter‑finals. "I think I’m guilty of sometimes forgetting how lucky I am to do what I do, but I’m just happy to be here and I’m playing alright.

If I replicate that level tomorrow everyone is stuffed, but tomorrow is a different day!" Wade added, echoing the confidence that has made him a fan favourite. The rest of the opening round produced a string of compelling narratives. 2024 champion Gerwyn Price will meet Josh Rock in a tantalising last‑eight encounter on Saturday after delivering four consecutive legs – including back‑to‑back 124 and 108 checkouts – in a 6‑2 demolition of Simon Whitlock. Rock mirrored Price’s dominance, rattling off four straight legs to beat Adam Leek 6‑3.

Jonny Clayton will take on Australian number one Damon Heta after a hard‑fought 6‑3 victory over Ben Robb, while Heta himself posted a 102.39 average in a 6‑2 thrashing of compatriot Joe Comito. In another thrilling upset, Stephen Bunting recovered from a 0‑3 deficit to overcome Mal Cuming 6‑3, showing the depth of talent on display. The tournament will crescendo with quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the final all scheduled for a blockbuster evening at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

The first‑round results (best of 11 legs) were as follows: Brody Klinge 6‑5 Ross Smith, Stephen Bunting 6‑3 Mal Cuming, Josh Rock 6‑3 Adam Leek, James Wade 6‑0 Tim Pusey, Gian van Veen 6‑3 Raymond Smith, Jonny Clayton 6‑3 Ben Robb, Gerwyn Price 6‑2 Simon Whitlock, Damon Heta 6‑2 Joe Comito. Quarter‑final line‑ups (best of 11 legs, from 10 am UK time) will see Gerwyn Price versus Josh Rock, James Wade versus Stephen Bunting, Gian van Veen versus Brody Klinge, and Jonny Clayton versus Damon Heta. The semi‑finals (best of 13 legs) will pit the winner of Price/Rock against the victor of Wade/Bunting, while the other semi‑final will feature Van Veen/Klinge against Clayton/Heta. The championship match will be contested over a best‑of‑15‑leg format.

Beyond the Australian Masters, darts fans are also looking ahead to the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, where world No. 1 Luke Littler will defend his title. The tournament runs from 28 September to 4 October and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options available via NOW.

For those following the sport, the Australian Darts Masters continues to deliver high‑octane action, surprising upsets, and moments of brilliance that underline why darts has become a global spectacle. Whether you’re tracking the progress of rising stars like Klinge, watching legends such as Wade and Price assert their dominance, or simply enjoying the drama of sudden‑death legs, the event offers something for every enthusiast. Stay tuned for live updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis as the competition moves toward its dramatic conclusion.