The 2026 PDC Challenge Tour has exploded into action, delivering thrilling darts and crowning two new champions: Tommy Lishman and Joe Hunt. Amidst intense competition and nail-biting finishes, three incredible nine-dart finishes lit up the opening events, showcasing the immense talent vying for coveted PDC Tour Cards and spots at the World Championship. This weekend’s action saw Lishman secure his maiden title in Event 1 after a hard-fought battle, while Hunt dominated Event 2 with a series of high-scoring performances. The tour continues, promising more high-stakes drama as players chase their professional dreams.
Lishman Claims Maiden Title in Thrilling Event One
The opening event saw 30-year-old Tommy Lishman navigate a challenging field to claim his first PDC Challenge Tour title. His journey included routine victories before facing tougher English opponents. Key wins on his path to the final included a 5-2 triumph over Callum Francis and a narrow 5-4 win against Jamie Hughes.
Lishman continued his battling form, defeating Luke Smith 5-3 and overcoming Lewis Pride 5-4 in a last-leg decider to reach the final. There, he met Tommy Morris, who had an incredibly strong run, featuring four 5-0 victories in six matches. Morris notably averaged an astounding 107.36 in his 5-0 win against exciting prospect Jenson Walker, and survived match darts in his semi-final to beat Derek Coulson 5-4.
In the final, both players were eager for their first title. Morris started powerfully with an 11-dart leg to take the lead. However, Lishman displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back from 2-1 down to win the high-quality contest and secure his maiden title.
Joe Hunt Dominates Event Two with Stellar Performance
Joe Hunt secured the second PDC Challenge Tour title of his career with a string of dominant performances. His early rounds showcased high scoring, with averages of over 91 and over 97 in victories against Andy Courtney and Bradley van der Velden, respectively.
Hunt proved his mettle in tense encounters, needing last-leg deciders to overcome strong challenges from former World Championship runner-up Andy Hamilton and Matthew Dennant. He continued his impressive run by defeating Jenson Walker 5-2 in the quarter-finals, and maintained a 94+ average to beat Dylan Dowding 5-1 in the semi-finals.
The final pitted Hunt against Spanish talent Jose Justicia, who had also carved an impressive path, including a significant 5-2 victory over Event 1 winner Tommy Lishman. In a one-sided final, Hunt saved his best for last, producing a 99+ average to cruise to a convincing 5-2 win. This victory stands as a testament to his consistent leadership and exceptional form throughout the day.
Perfection on the Oche: Three Nine-Darters Stun the Crowd
The opening weekend was made even more memorable by the incredible achievement of three perfect nine-dart finishes:
- Steve Beaton struck perfection in Event 1, hitting a nine-darter in the winning leg of his second-round clash.
- Harrison Leigh also achieved a nine-darter in Event 1, completing his third-round tie with a perfect leg.
- Thomas Cromwell was the third player to hit a nine-darter, dazzling the crowd during Event 2 in his third-round match.
These rare feats underscore the immense skill and precision required at this level of darts.
What’s Next? The Road to Professional Darts
The PDC Challenge Tour serves as a vital pathway for players who competed at the 2026 Qualifying School but did not secure a coveted Tour Card. The stakes are incredibly high for all competitors:
- The top two players from the final 2026 PDC Challenge Tour Order of Merit will earn a prestigious PDC Tour Card for 2027-2028, granting them access to the professional circuit.
- Additionally, the top three players will secure qualification for the illustrious 2026/27 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, offering a chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
The 2026 PDC Challenge Tour continues at the same venue throughout the weekend, with another exciting double-header on Saturday followed by Event 5 on Sunday. More high-stakes drama and thrilling darts are guaranteed as players battle for crucial ranking points and their professional dreams.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
