The darts world is buzzing! Saturday at Bradmoor Farm saw Henry Cooper and Ricky King crowned champions of the Red Dragon Doubles Cup after a thrilling victory. But the excitement doesn’t stop there, as the prestigious UK & Ireland Classic and the Vault Women’s National Finals have now begun, setting the stage for a weekend culminating in Sunday’s massive £70,000 VAULT National Finals.
Cooper & King Dominate Doubles Cup
The day kicked off with a spectacular display of teamwork and precision as Henry Cooper and Ricky King claimed the 2026 Red Dragon Doubles Cup title. In a high-stakes final, they faced off against the formidable duo of Johnny Haines and Gary Court. Cooper and King showcased remarkable consistency, averaging over 90 points per throw, to secure a decisive 5-3 victory. Their impressive performance earned them the coveted trophy and a substantial £1,600 first prize from a total prize fund of £4,000.
The UK & Ireland Classic: A Major Battle Begins
With the doubles champions crowned, all eyes turned to the much-anticipated UK & Ireland Classic. This event is considered the year-end major for the ADC’s elite performers, bringing together the very best talent in the sport. Hosted in Aylesbury, the Classic features:
- 32 qualified players battling for supremacy.
- A significant £13,000 prize fund.
- A grand prize of £3,000 for the champion.
Last year’s edition saw Shane Turner triumph, delivering an exceptional performance with a 98.76 average in the final to defeat James Welding. This year’s field is equally stacked with talent, including:
- “Big Willie” Borland, famous for his nine-darter at Ally Pally.
- Teenage sensation Archie Self.
- Doubles runner-up Johnny Haines, looking for redemption.
The intense competition officially commenced at 4 PM, promising thrilling darting action.
Vault Women’s National Finals: New Queens of Darts?
Simultaneously, the Vault Women’s National Finals got underway, adding another layer of excitement to the day. This exclusive event is open only to qualified players, offering them a unique platform to showcase their skills. With free entry for competitors, the tournament boasts a respectable £3,000 prize fund, with the ultimate champion taking home a solid £800. Like the Classic, this event also began at 4 PM, and a new National champion will be crowned by the end of the night.
What’s Next: A Weekend of Darts Extravaganza
The darting action at Bradmoor Farm is relentless. Following these initial finals, the evening will feature the ADC and WADC Money In, Money Out knockouts, kicking off at 7:30 PM. The grand culmination of the weekend will be on Sunday, with the highly anticipated VAULT National Finals. This event promises high drama and incredible prizes, with an astonishing £70,000 prize fund on offer, making it a truly unmissable spectacle for darts enthusiasts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
