The KenoGO Australian Darts Masters has kicked off in Wollongong with an electrifying opening day, featuring stunning upsets and incredible performances. Local hero Brody Klinge delivered the shock of the tournament so far, defeating darts titan Ross Smith in a nail-biting deciding leg. Meanwhile, James Wade showcased an absolute masterclass, recording one of the highest averages in World Series history. With top contenders like Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Damon Heta also securing their spots, the stage is set for a thrilling Finals Day as players battle for glory.
Australian Underdog Brody Klinge Stuns Ross Smith in Thrilling Decider
The opening day at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong was nothing short of dramatic, but it was Australian qualifier Brody Klinge who stole the headlines. In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Klinge pulled off a sensational upset, defeating former European Champion Ross Smith in a deciding leg epic.
Smith, known for his heavy scoring, bombarded the board with eight maximums (180s) throughout the captivating affair. However, the turning point came when Smith squandered two crucial match darts in the final leg, allowing Klinge to seize his opportunity. Brody Klinge, averaging 96 to Smith’s impressive 102.88, capitalized with an 11-dart break of throw to seal what he proudly called the biggest victory of his career.
Reflecting on his triumph, the 34-year-old Klinge expressed his elation: “I’m over the moon with that. That was the adrenaline rush of my life. I felt a lot more comfortable playing this time around, and I think it showed. Ross was throwing everything at me. I was lucky he missed at the end there, but I took my chance. There’s no pressure on me now; I’m just going to do my best and keep going.”
Klinge’s reward for this monumental win is a quarter-final clash against the talented Gian van Veen, who secured his spot with a clinical 6-3 victory over Raymond Smith, highlighted by a spectacular 161 checkout (finishing a leg by hitting 161 with three darts).
Wade’s Masterclass: A Near-Record Performance
While Klinge provided the upset, it was James Wade who delivered the performance of the night, showcasing why he’s a multiple major champion. “The Machine” was in unstoppable form, averaging a staggering 112.73 in a dominant six-leg demolition of Tim Pusey.
This incredible average stands as the second-highest ever recorded in a World Series of Darts event held in Australia, a testament to Wade’s precision and consistency. He capped off his imperious display with a sensational 164 finish on the bullseye, leaving the crowd in awe.
A humble Wade commented: “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!” Wade will now face Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals.
Top Seeds Advance: Setting Up Blockbuster Quarter-Finals
Beyond the headline-grabbing performances, several other darting giants ensured their progression, setting the stage for a thrilling Finals Day. Here’s a quick look at how the top contenders fared:
- Gerwyn Price, a former champion of the event, began his quest for a second Australian Darts Masters crown with a commanding 6-2 victory over Australian icon Simon Whitlock. “The Iceman” reeled off four consecutive legs and sealed his win with back-to-back checkouts of 124 and 108.
- Price will face rising star Josh Rock in a highly anticipated quarter-final. Rock also showed his class, overturning a 3-2 deficit against Adam Leek to win 6-3, featuring two impressive ton-plus checkouts (finishes over 100 points).
- Defending World Series champion Jonny Clayton opened his campaign with a hard-fought 6-3 win against Ben Robb. “The Ferret” will now go head-to-head with Australian number one Damon Heta.
- Heta, playing on home soil, delivered a powerful performance, averaging 102.39 in his 6-2 triumph over fellow countryman Joe Comito, hitting 55% of his attempts at double.
- The evening’s other tie saw Stephen Bunting return to winning ways with a 6-3 victory over Mal Cuming, despite a late fightback threat from Cuming.
The Road Ahead: Finals Day in Wollongong
The 2026 KenoGO Australian Darts Masters will reach its climax on Saturday, August 22, with a blockbuster evening session at the WIN Entertainment Centre. The action-packed schedule includes the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, all promising high-stakes drama.
Quarter-Final Matchups (Best of 11 legs):
- Gerwyn Price v Josh Rock
- James Wade v Stephen Bunting
- Gian van Veen v Brody Klinge
- Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta
Following these intense battles, the winners will proceed to the semi-finals (best of 13 legs), culminating in the grand final. Darts fans are eagerly anticipating a spectacular conclusion to this thrilling tournament.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
