The Australian Darts Association (ADA) Tour kicked off with a bang as darting titans Klinge and Smith each claimed two prestigious titles across the first four events. Held on February 21-22, the opening weekend saw Klinge demonstrate remarkable consistency to secure his victories, while Smith captivated audiences with a stunning nine-dart finish and a dominant performance, setting a high bar for the rest of the season.
The highly anticipated 2026 Australian Darts Association Tour burst into action with its first four events, held over a thrilling two-day period on February 21-22. The weekend was dominated by two standout players, Klinge and Smith, who each astonishingly secured two titles apiece, immediately establishing themselves as forces to be reckoned with this season.
Klinge’s Unstoppable Saturday: Two Titles Secured
Event One began with a fiercely competitive field of 124 players, all vying for the top prize. However, it was Klinge who showcased exceptional form and determination. He powered through the competition, ultimately claiming the title after a decisive victory over two-time World Championship qualifier, James Bailey.
Klinge’s path to victory was marked by consistent, strong performances. He notably secured three significant wins with the identical scoreline of 6-3, overcoming opponents like Michael Bajowski and Darcy Crane before his triumph against Bailey.
His momentum carried straight into Event Two, where he continued his winning streak. Klinge sealed his second tournament win in quick succession by defeating former Tour Card Holder Darren Penhall with a commanding 6-3 finish, making Saturday a profoundly successful day for him.
Earlier in Event Two, Klinge delivered an impressive performance against ANZ Premier League runner-up Raymond Smith. He averaged an outstanding 99.97 en route to a convincing 6-1 win. His journey to the title also saw him conquer Tom Wiley, David Cairns, Ben Justice, and Seamus Lynch, famously reeling off six straight legs from a 3-0 deficit to overturn Lynch in the quarter-finals.
Smith’s Sunday Spectacle: Nine-Dart Heroics and Double Victory
While Saturday belonged to Klinge, Sunday became Smith’s stage, culminating in a truly spectacular moment: a **perfect nine-dart leg** to win Event Three. This incredible feat occurred in the fourth leg of his match against Klinge, where he went on to average an astonishing 103.66, stopping his compatriot in his tracks with a dominant 6-0 victory. After beating Tim Pusey in the Last 8, Smith secured the Event Three title with a solid 6-2 win over Anthony Shreeve.
Fresh off his Event Three triumph, Smith continued his formidable run by winning Event Four. This final proved to be a nail-biter, with Smith ultimately prevailing over Michael Bajowski in a deciding-set affair.
Smith’s journey through Event Four included straight-set victories against Ian Boyes, Basil Thorne, and Karl Schaefer, followed by hard-fought close wins against Jamie Rundle and Howard Jones, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Smith Reflects on a Challenging Weekend
Reflecting on his remarkable performance, Smith, who made it to the last 16 at the World Darts Championship in 2021/22, shared his enthusiasm:
- “I’m feeling very good. It’s been a very interesting weekend.”
- “I got a nine-darter at the Australian Championship two years ago but this was a big one and I’m happy to be part of history.”
- “It’s been a while since I’ve played tournaments where I’m getting pushed, getting the challenge, so I just want to chase the ADA around and keep playing this level.”
- “It’s given us the impetus and opportunity now to go back and find that extra level.”
These quotes highlight Smith’s appreciation for the high level of competition and his drive to continuously improve his game.
What’s Next on the ADA Tour?
The thrilling action of the 2026 Australian Darts Association Tour will continue next month. Events 5-8 are scheduled to take place in Belconnen on March 14-15, promising more intense competition and darting drama as players battle for crucial ranking points and titles.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
