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, setting up a clash with Gian van Veen. Klinge was the only player from the Oceania region to taste victory on an electrifying opening day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, clinching an 11‑dart finish that saw him edge past Smith in a nail‑biting deciding leg.
Smith produced a dazzling display, hitting eight perfect 180s during the match, but his brilliance was marred by two missed match darts in the final leg, allowing Klinge to claim 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.
"It 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." He added, "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." Klinge’s reward is a showdown with Van Veen on Finals Day, after the world No.
2 produced a spectacular 161 checkout to seal a 6‑3 win over Raymond Smith. Meanwhile, the night’s headline act was James Wade, who posted a staggering 112.73 average – the second‑highest ever recorded at a World Series of Darts event in Australia – as he demolished Tim Pusey in six straight legs. Wade’s performance was a masterclass in consistency and finishing.
He wrapped up the match with a 164 checkout and reflected on his form, saying, "That felt amazing. Everything just fell into my hands there. 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!" The tournament continued to deliver high‑octane darts action.
2024 champion Gerwyn Price will meet Josh Rock in a compelling last‑eight encounter on Saturday after both men produced four‑leg streaks – Price with back‑to‑back 124 and 108 checkouts, Rock with a similar run – to beat Simon Whitlock 6‑2. Rock also dispatched Adam Leek 6‑3 after a dominant run of four consecutive legs.
Jonny Clayton will face Australian number one Damon Heta following a solid 6‑3 win over Ben Robb, while Heta himself posted a 102.39 average in a 6‑2 thrashing of compatriot Joe Comito. In another notable match, Stephen Bunting rallied from 0‑3 down to defeat Mal Cuming 6‑3, showcasing his resilience under pressure.
The 2026 Australian Darts Masters will culminate with quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the final all taking place during a blockbuster evening session 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 match‑ups (starting at 10 am UK time, best of 11 legs) are set as: 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 (best of 13 legs) will pit the winner of Price/Rock against the victor of Wade/Bunting, while the other semi will see Van Veen/Klinge take on Clayton/Heta. The final will be contested over a best‑of‑15‑leg format. 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 September 28 to October 4 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via NOW for viewers who prefer digital platforms.
Overall, the Australian Darts Masters has provided a thrilling mix of upsets, high averages, and dramatic finishes. Klinge’s breakthrough win, Wade’s near‑record average, and the looming battles among the sport’s elite promise a captivating climax as the field narrows toward the final.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned follower of the World Series, the upcoming matches offer plenty of excitement, skillful dart‑throwing, and the kind of high‑stakes drama that makes the sport so compelling.