Brody Klinge carved out a quarter‑final encounter with Gian van Veen at 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 taste victory on a spectacular opening day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where he secured an 11‑dart finish to clinch a nail‑biting deciding‑leg triumph against Smith.
The match featured eight perfect 180s from Smith, creating a thrilling spectacle for the crowd. However, his composure slipped at the crucial moment when he missed two match darts in the final leg, handing Klinge the biggest win of his career. "I’m over the moon with that," Klinge said, noting his 96 average compared with Smith’s 102.88.
"That was the adrenaline rush of my life. I felt a lot more comfortable playing this time around and it showed in my performance, I think. 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." Thanks to that victory, Klinge earned a place on Finals Day against the world No. 2, Gian van Veen, who had earlier produced a spectacular 161 checkout to seal a 6‑3 win over Raymond Smith.
Van Veen’s clinical display set the stage for a compelling quarter‑final clash. The headline of the evening, however, belonged to James Wade, who posted an astonishing average of 112.73 – the second‑highest ever recorded in a World Series of Darts event in Australia. Wade achieved this during a ruthless six‑leg demolition of Tim Pusey, finishing the match with a dazzling 164 checkout.
"That felt amazing. Everything just fell into my hands there," Wade admitted after the win.
He will now face Stephen Bunting in the next round. "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!" Other notable results from the opening round included 2024 champion Gerwyn Price dispatching Simon Whitlock 6‑2, highlighted by four consecutive legs and back‑to‑back checkouts of 124 and 108. Josh Rock mirrored that form, beating Adam Leek 6‑3 after a run of four straight legs.
Jonny Clayton secured a hard‑fought 6‑3 victory over Ben Robb, setting up a clash with Australian No. 1 Damon Heta, who posted a 102.39 average in a 6‑2 demolition of fellow countryman Joe Comito.
Stephen Bunting also impressed, rallying from 0‑3 down to defeat Mal Cuming 6‑3. The tournament will reach its climax on Saturday with quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the final all taking place in a blockbuster evening session at the WIN Entertainment Centre. The quarter‑final line‑up, scheduled to start at 10 am UK time, features Gerwyn Price vs Josh Rock, James Wade vs Stephen Bunting, Gian van Veen vs Brody Klinge, and Jonny Clayton vs Damon Heta. The semi‑finals will see the winners of Price/Rock against Wade/Bunting, and Van Veen/Klinge against Clayton/Heta, before a best‑of‑15‑legs final decides the champion.
Beyond the Australian Masters, darts fans can look 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 streaming options available via NOW. In summary, the opening day of the Australian Darts Masters delivered a blend of surprise upsets, record‑breaking performances, and high‑octane drama.
Klinge’s breakthrough win, Wade’s near‑perfect average, and the strong showings from established stars like Price, Rock, and Clayton set the tone for an exciting weekend of darts. As the field narrows, the stakes rise, and spectators can expect more spectacular checkouts, tense finishes, and the occasional upset as players vie for the coveted title at the WIN Entertainment Centre.