The darting world is buzzing as the first five players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit have officially secured their places at the prestigious 2027 World Darts Championship. This initial lineup features a mix of dominant forces, fan favorites, and seasoned veterans, all eager to make their mark on the biggest stage in darts. While these five have already punched their tickets, there’s still a chance for more Asian players to qualify through other routes, including the upcoming Asian Championship. Get ready to meet the stars representing Asia in London!
The Road to Alexandra Palace: How Asian Darts Stars Qualify
Qualification for the coveted World Darts Championship is a dream for many, and for players on the Asian Tour, the primary route is through the Asian Tour Order of Merit. The top five players on this ranking system automatically earn a spot in December’s highly anticipated tournament.
However, the door isn’t entirely closed for other Asian hopefuls. Additional spots may become available if some of these top five players also qualify through alternative routes, such as the Steel Tour Japan. Furthermore, one more valuable place is still up for grabs through the thrilling Asian Championship, which is set to conclude shortly.
Meet the First Five Qualifiers for the 2027 World Darts Championship
As it stands, here are the five exceptional players who have qualified for the World Championship via their stellar performances on the Asian Tour Order of Merit:
Ryuta Arihara: The Dominant Force
Topping the Order of Merit with an incredible run, Ryuta Arihara has been in sensational form throughout the 2026 Asian Tour season. His consistency and skill were undeniable, particularly in the latter half of the year.
- Won five Asian Tour events in 2026.
- Remarkably, four of those victories came in the final seven events, showcasing his peak performance towards the season’s climax.
- His most recent triumph saw him beat previous event winner Ronny Gabiana, solidifying his top position.
Motomu Sakai: The Fan Favorite Returns
Known for his engaging personality and exciting play, the always entertaining Motomu Sakai will be making a welcome return to Alexandra Palace this winter. He captured the hearts of many fans with his memorable antics at the 2026 World Championship, and he’s ready to do it again.
- Secured two Asian Tour titles in 2026.
- Also finished as runner-up in two other events, demonstrating his strong competitive spirit.
- Gained valuable big-stage experience earlier in 2026, representing Japan alongside Haruki Muramatsu at the prestigious World Cup of Darts.
Christian Perez: A Seasoned Challenger
A familiar face to many darts enthusiasts, Christian Perez, formerly a Tour Card holder, is set to return to the Ally Pally stage as a qualifier. His experience and composure make him a formidable opponent.
- Claimed two Asian Tour titles in 2026, both of which impressively came in July.
- The talented Filipino player also reached four other finals, highlighting his consistent presence at the sharp end of tournaments.
- Perez has appeared at the World Championship four times previously, most recently in 2023, where he narrowly lost to Australian legend Simon Whitlock in a deciding set.
Haruki Muramatsu: The Veteran’s Comeback
Another player with significant big-stage experience, Haruki Muramatsu will be returning to our television screens in December as an Asian Tour qualifier. His seasoned approach to the game makes him a dangerous contender.
- Won four Asian Tour titles in 2026.
- Notably, two of these victories came in the very first two events of the year, setting a high standard from the outset.
- Muramatsu boasts extensive experience on the Alexandra Palace stage, having played at five World Championships, with his most recent appearance in 2024 where he faced Scott Williams.
Lok Yin Lee: Hong Kong’s Rising Star
Representing Hong Kong with pride, Lok Yin Lee will carry the flag into London this December. He’ll be looking to build on his impressive World Championship debut in 2025.
- At the 2025 event, Lee surprised many by defeating Chris Landman 3-1 in the opening round.
- His debut saw him reach the second round of the tournament, a remarkable achievement that garnered widespread praise.
- Although he eventually bowed out to Brendan Dolan, Lee left a lasting impression with his promising performance.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
