Week five of the MODUS Super Series delivered an electrifying mix of legendary dominance, stunning debuts, and unforgettable moments. Veteran Neil Duff solidified his status as the most successful player by claiming a record-extending eighth weekly title. The excitement didn’t stop there: debutant Noa-Lynn van Leuven stunned the world with a rare nine-darter, while fellow newcomer Danny Goddard showcased immense potential, and Dmitrii Rogov impressively reached the final. It was a week packed with familiar champions, rising stars, and historic achievements.
The Return of a Legend: Neil Duff’s Unstoppable Form
The fifth week of the MODUS Super Series in Portsmouth once again highlighted the enduring excellence of Neil Duff. The Northern Irishman, affectionately known as ‘The Duff Man’, continued to rewrite the record books, securing his eighth weekly title on Finals Night (Series 15). He defeated a strong challenger, Dmitrii Rogov, with a decisive 4-1 victory in the final, earning him the £5,000 top prize and another coveted spot in Champions Week.
Group A: Early Challenges and Klose’s Dominance
The week kicked off with a highly competitive Group A. While Neil Duff took an early lead on Day One, it was Germany’s Daniel Klose who truly shone over the three-day campaign. Both players finished with 20 points from 15 matches, but Klose’s superior leg difference (+20 compared to Duff’s +11) and an impressive 93.25 average secured him the **sole automatic qualification spot** for Finals Night. Ziggy Schenk’s perfect final day, which included a 4-3 win over Duff, kept the group dynamic, while former World finalist Andy Hamilton and debutant Noa-Lynn van Leuven also competed.
A Moment of Pure Perfection: The Nine-Darter
Amidst the group stage battles, a truly historic moment unfolded. On the final day of Group A, **debutant Noa-Lynn van Leuven achieved a stunning nine-darter** against eventual group winner Daniel Klose. For those unfamiliar, a nine-darter is darts’ equivalent of a perfect game – hitting the lowest possible number of darts (nine) to check out from 501. Van Leuven accomplished this feat in the fifth leg of their match by firing in two successive maximums (180 points each) before coolly checking out 141 (Treble 20, Treble 19, Double 12). This broadcast perfect leg instantly placed her among a select few in darts history. Although the leg was a consolation in a 2-4 defeat and van Leuven finished at the bottom of her group, this **historic achievement provided an unforgettable highlight** in what was otherwise a challenging Super Series debut.
Rising Stars and Fierce Competition
Group B and C: New Faces Make Their Mark
After a brief setback, ‘The Duff Man’ regained control in Group B, topping the table and booking his place in Finals Night. Russian debutant Dmitrii Rogov also had an exceptional first week, consistently performing strongly and ultimately joining Duff and Martyn Turner in the Saturday field. Perhaps the most captivating new story of the week was Danny Goddard. Making his Super Series debut, **’The Codfather’ was virtually untouchable in Group C**, sweeping through his matches and looking every inch a future weekly winner. Justin Smith also advanced strongly from this section, adding more fresh talent to the mix.
Finals Night: The Ultimate Showdown
By Friday evening, the highly anticipated Finals Night lineup was complete, promising an exciting blend of established names and thrilling newcomers:
- Daniel Klose (Group A winner)
- Danny Goddard (Group C winner)
- Justin Smith (from Group C)
- Neil Duff (Group B winner)
- Dmitrii Rogov (from Group B)
- Martyn Turner (from Group B)
Group Stage Drama
Saturday’s showpiece began with a six-player group stage to determine the semi-finalists. **Justin Smith made an early statement** by upsetting Group A winner Daniel Klose with a 4-2 victory. Neil Duff opened with a solid 4-2 win over Martyn Turner, while Rogov edged Smith 4-3 in a tight contest. Turner then delivered one of the night’s best performances to eliminate debutant Goddard 4-3, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the competition. Rogov continued his fine form by beating Klose 4-2, and Duff completed the group stage with a 4-2 success against Goddard.
Semi-Finals: Experience vs. Emerging Talent
This left a high-quality final four:
- Neil Duff vs. Justin Smith
- Dmitrii Rogov vs. Martyn Turner
In the semi-finals, Duff was ruthless, whitewashing Justin Smith 4-0 (or 4-1, depending on reports, but his dominance was clear). On the other side of the draw, Rogov reached his first Super Series final with a 4-2 victory over Turner, who had earlier delighted the crowd with a fine 161 checkout.
The Grand Final: Duff Seals the Deal
The final pitted experience against emerging talent. Duff’s deep understanding of weekly finales proved decisive. He controlled the match from the outset, closing out a convincing **4-1 victory over Dmitrii Rogov to claim his record-extending title**.
Looking Ahead: Legacies and Future Threats
Duff’s latest success further cements his status as the all-time leader in weekly Super Series titles, a testament to his consistent excellence. Goddard’s near-perfect debut marked him as one to watch in future weeks, suggesting he will soon convert his potential into a weekly win. Rogov’s impressive run to the final in his debut appearance indicates he will be a regular threat in upcoming tournaments. The MODUS Super Series promises more thrilling darts, with Week Six already underway, featuring Series 14 Champion Derek Coulson in the opening group as the hunt for Champions Week places continues.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
