This week in darts brought a flurry of exciting developments! Young talent Kaya Baysal clinched the prestigious JDC Winmau Junior World Masters title, marking him as a rising star. Meanwhile, veteran pro Mickey Mansell announced he’s taking a break from the sport, sparking discussions across the community. On a celebratory note, the legendary Deta Hedman officially received her well-deserved OBE for her contributions to darts and charity. We also saw Keanu van Velzen dominate the Modus Darts Super Series, two players secure coveted spots in the UK Open, and updates on the DDV National Squad, PDC Asian Tour, and a new sponsor for PDC Europe Next Gen.
Modus Darts Super Series: Van Velzen Triumphs, Harrysson Wins “Royal Rumble”
The second regular week of the Modus Darts Super Series saw Keanu van Velzen, a 22-year-old Dutchman, claim his first victory. He secured the title with a 4-2 win over Tommy Morris in a tightly contested final. On his path to glory, van Velzen impressively defeated multiple World Championship participant Mark Dudbridge in the semi-finals. Robert Grundy also reached the final four, while established names like Richie Burnett and José Justicia didn’t make it to the final day.
Adding to the excitement, Friday evening featured the unique “Royal Rumble” event. In this format, players compete in best-of-1-leg matches, with the winner remaining on stage for the next challenge. After a thrilling series of matches, Andreas Harrysson emerged victorious, defeating Jeff Smith in the final showdown.
Modus Darts Super Series Key Results:
- Semi-finals:
- Tommy Morris 4-1 Robert Grundy (99.80 – 84.58 average)
- Keanu van Velzen 4-0 Mark Dudbridge (82.36 – 77.17 average)
- Final:
- Keanu van Velzen 4-2 Tommy Morris (85.29 – 86.67 average)
UK Open Amateur Qualifiers: Ryan and Lee Secure Major Spots
Two crucial qualification tournaments for the UK Open were held over the weekend. These Amateur Qualifiers offer the winner a coveted spot in the major tournament in Minehead, a significant opportunity for aspiring professionals.
- In Aberdeen, Scotland’s Sean Ryan secured his place with a 5-1 victory over Stephen Michie in the final, recording an impressive 89-average. Among the participants was well-known player William Borland.
- The Coventry qualifier saw Daniel Lee triumph, defeating Pete Hughes in the final with an 82-average. Notable players like Mark McGeeney and Danny Lauby also tried their luck in this fiercely competitive event.
Kaya Baysal Crowned JDC Winmau Junior World Master
The highly anticipated final of the JDC Winmau Junior World Masters took place during the Milton Keynes tournament. Kaya Baysal delivered a stellar performance, securing the title in two sets against the WDF Youth World Champion, Mitchell Lawrie. The match featured a pivotal moment in the first set when Lawrie missed a crucial set dart. Baysal seized the opportunity, following up with a magnificent 121 finish and sealing his victory with an 89-average. This win firmly establishes Baysal as a formidable talent in junior darts.
Mickey Mansell Announces Break from Darts
Northern Irish darts professional Mickey Mansell made a significant announcement on his X-account, revealing his departure from GMDartsManagement and his decision to take a break from the sport entirely. The “Clonoe Cyclone” had previously withdrawn from the Winmau World Masters last week. His statement read:
“I’d like to thank GMDartsManagement for their help and support over the last few years some great memories created. I’ve decided to take a break and wish them well 🎯🌪️”
This news marks a temporary hiatus for a respected figure in darts, leaving fans to await his potential return.
PDC Asian Tour Heads to Japan
The location for the second weekend of the PDC Asian Tour has been confirmed. Tournaments 5 through 8 are scheduled to be held on April 4th and 5th in Shizuoka, Japan, bringing top-tier darts action to the Asian region.
DDV Reveals 2026 National Squad
The German Darts Association (DDV) announced its National Squad for the year 2026 last week. This selection highlights the top players who will represent Germany in upcoming competitions, signifying the future talent pipeline for the nation’s darts scene.
Winmau Becomes New Sponsor for PDC Europe Next Gen
Following an extended deal with the PDC, PDC Europe proudly unveiled Winmau as the new official sponsor of the Hylo PDC Europe Next Gen series last weekend. This partnership underscores Winmau’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and supporting the future of darts in Europe.
Deta Hedman Officially Receives Prestigious OBE Honour
Darts legend Deta Hedman received a well-deserved recognition for her outstanding contributions to both darts and charity. After being listed in the King’s Honours List for an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in June of last year, the 66-year-old officially received her award this past Tuesday at St James’ Palace. This honour celebrates her enduring impact on the sport and her philanthropic efforts.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
