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 Oceanic player to taste victory on a spectacular opening day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, clinching an 11‑dart finish that saw him edge Smith in a nail‑biting deciding leg. The match was a roller‑coaster. Smith produced eight perfect darts at one point, but his composure slipped 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. "It was the adrenaline rush of my life. I felt a lot more comfortable 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." As a result of that triumph, Klinge now faces Dutch contender Gian van Veen on Finals Day.
Van Veen, the world No. 2, had already demonstrated his firepower by hitting a spectacular 161 checkout to seal a 6‑3 victory over Raymond Smith. The headline of the evening, however, belonged to England’s James Wade. Wade posted an astonishing average of 112.73 – the second‑highest ever recorded in a World Series of Darts event in Australia – as he swept aside Tim Pusey in six straight legs.
His dominance was capped off with a flawless 164 finish, earning him a quarter‑final clash with Stephen Bunting. "That felt amazing.
Everything just fell into my hands there," Wade admitted after the match. "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 first round included 2024 champion Gerwyn Price dispatching Simon Whitlock 6‑2, after a run of four consecutive legs that featured back‑to‑back 124 and 108 checkouts.
Josh Rock mirrored that form, beating Adam Leek 6‑3 with four straight legs of his own. Jonny Clayton secured a 6‑3 win over Ben Robb, keeping his hopes alive for a second consecutive World Series title, while Australian No. 1 Damon Heta thrashed compatriot Joe Comito 6‑2 with a 102.39 average. Stephen Bunting staged a comeback against Mal Cuming, overturning a 0‑3 deficit to win 6‑3, showcasing his resilience under pressure.
The tournament now moves into its knockout phase, with quarter‑finals scheduled to begin at 10 am UK time. The match‑ups are: - Gerwyn Price vs.
Josh Rock - James Wade vs. Stephen Bunting - Gian van Veen vs. Brody Klinge - Jonny Clayton vs.
Damon Heta The semi‑finals will be best of 13 legs, pitting the winners of Price/Rock against Wade/Bunting, and the victors of Van Veen/Klinge against Clayton/Heta. The final will be a best‑of‑15‑legs showdown to decide the champion.
Beyond the Australian Masters, darts fans can look forward to the upcoming 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. The Australian Darts Masters has quickly become a highlight of the World Series calendar, offering a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents from the Southern Hemisphere.
The event’s fast‑paced format—best of 11 legs in the opening round—ensures that every match is high‑stakes, often producing dramatic comebacks and sudden‑death finishes. For players like Klinge, the tournament represents a chance to prove themselves on an international stage and earn valuable ranking points.
Wade’s performance, meanwhile, underscores why he remains one of the sport’s most feared competitors. An average above 110 is a rare feat, reflecting both precision and consistency. His 164 checkout—requiring a treble 20, treble 18, and double 16—demonstrated his ability to finish under pressure, a skill that will be crucial as he advances.
Looking ahead, the quarter‑finals promise intriguing storylines. Will the experienced Price maintain his dominance, or could the hungry Rock pull off an upset? Can Wade sustain his extraordinary form, or will Bunting’s comeback momentum prove decisive? And will the underdog Klinge, fresh from his breakthrough win, continue his fairy‑tale run against the world’s second‑ranked player?
Fans can follow live updates, highlights, and full‑match replays on the official World Series of Darts platforms, as well as on Sky Sports and NOW streaming services. The tournament not only showcases elite darts but also promotes the sport across Australia, inspiring a new generation of players. With the quarter‑finals set to deliver high‑octane drama, the Australian Darts Masters is poised to cement its reputation as a must‑watch event in the global darts calendar. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die‑hard aficionado, the blend of skill, nerves, and sheer entertainment promises an unforgettable weekend of darts action.