The opening weekend of the Australian Darts Association (ADA) Tour in Mandurah delivered thrilling drama, headlined by darts legend Raymond Smith achieving the tour’s first-ever nine-dart leg – a moment of perfect precision. While Smith secured two titles, it was Brody Kling who initially dominated, also claiming two victories. This weekend not only cemented Smith’s status but also ignited a fierce new rivalry, setting a high bar for the rest of the season.
A Meteoric Start: Kling’s Early Dominance
The Australian Darts Association Tour kicked off its new season in Mandurah, and it was Melbourne’s Brody Kling who immediately stole the spotlight. With an impressive display of skill, Kling surged through the first two events, showcasing his formidable talent.
- Event One Victory: Kling powered his way to the final, overcoming five consecutive opponents before facing James Bailey, known as “The Bull.” What promised to be a close contest turned into a decisive victory for Kling, who secured the title with a convincing whitewash.
- Event Two Triumph: Carrying his momentum forward, Kling continued his winning streak. He notably defeated darts icon Raymond Smith in the semi-finals before overpowering Cornwall-born Darren Penhall in the final. This secured a remarkable “dream double” – two events, two titles – establishing Kling as the new headline act in Western Australia.
The Guru’s Response: Smith’s Historic Comeback and the Perfect Nine-Darter
Despite Kling’s early success, Raymond “The Guru” Smith, a dominant figure from the inaugural ADA Tour, was not to be outdone. His competitive spirit ignited, leading to a spectacular comeback that etched his name into darts history.
After navigating a tough quarter-final against last year’s league winner, Tim Pusey, Smith’s focus sharpened. He was determined to prevent Kling from achieving a hat-trick of titles and to preserve the exclusivity of his own four-title sweep from the previous year.
A Moment of Pure Perfection: The Nine-Dart Leg
The semi-final clash against Brody Kling was more than just a win for Smith; it was a masterclass. He secured victory without conceding a single leg, delivering a powerful statement. But the real highlight came with an astonishing feat: the ADA Tour’s inaugural nine-dart leg.
For those new to darts, a nine-dart leg is the ultimate achievement – scoring 501 points in the minimum possible nine darts. It typically involves hitting three triple 20s (60 points each) with the first three darts, another three triple 20s with the next three, and then finishing the remaining 141 points with a triple 20, triple 19, and a double 12. This remarkable display of precision, executed under immense pressure, instantly elevated the young tour’s prestige and cemented Smith’s legendary status.
Smith Secures More Silverware
With the nine-darter under his belt, Smith’s confidence soared. He continued his winning ways, demonstrating both flair and consistent performance.
- Event Three Victory: Smith faced Anthony Shreeve in the final of the third event. While perhaps less flashy than his semi-final performance, his play was authoritative and effective, securing another title through sheer substance and skill.
- Event Four Adaptation: The final event introduced a format change, shifting from legs to sets – a detail that might have confused casual observers. However, this structural alteration did little to disrupt Smith’s rhythm. He adapted seamlessly, edging out Michael Bajowski 2-1 to claim his second crown of the weekend, reaffirming his mastery of the game.
A New Chapter: The Birth of a Rivalry
The Mandurah weekend concluded on a high note, with both Brody Kling and Raymond Smith leaving with significant achievements. Kling earned a formidable double, showcasing his potential as a top contender. Smith, however, departed with not only two titles but also a priceless piece of history – the first nine-dart leg on the ADA Tour.
This opening weekend has done more than just crown champions; it has laid the groundwork for an exciting new chapter in Australian darts. The ADA Tour, still in its early stages, now boasts its first perfect leg and, more importantly, its first enduring rivalry. And once again, Raymond Smith stands at the very heart of this unfolding story.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
