The WDF Europe Cup 2026 Open Pairs final is set for an electrifying clash between Wales and Finland. David Davies and Llew Bevan will represent Wales, while Jonas Masalin and Teemu Harju aim to secure Finland’s historic first-ever Europe Cup Gold medal. Both nations fought through thrilling knockout matches, with Finland defeating a Welsh pair in their semi-final and Wales narrowly beating England in a deciding-leg battle. This highly anticipated final promises a dramatic conclusion to the tournament.
Road to the Final: A Tale of Two Nations
The WDF Europe Cup 2026 Open Pairs tournament in Tórshavn has culminated in a highly anticipated final, pitting the consistent prowess of Wales against a determined Finnish duo aiming for history. The journey for both nations has been nothing short of dramatic, marked by incredible finishes and nail-biting encounters.
Finland’s Historic Pursuit
- Jonas Masalin and Teemu Harju are on the cusp of making history for Finland. They secured their spot in the final by defeating a Welsh pair 5-2 in the semi-finals, showcasing their best darts in critical moments.
- A remarkable 11-darter sealed their semi-final victory, highlighting their precision under pressure.
- This achievement guarantees Harju another Europe Cup medal, following his Singles finalist appearance four years ago.
- Crucially, Finland now has the chance to claim their first-ever Europe Cup Gold in this event. Despite accumulating 32 Europe Cup medals over the years, a victory on Saturday would be a landmark first title for the nation.
- Their path to the final also included a solid 4-2 quarter-final win against Hungary’s Gyorgy Jehirszki and Nandor Major, ensuring at least a Bronze medal before their semi-final triumph.
Wales’s Resilient Journey
Wales, represented by David Davies and Llew Bevan, demonstrated incredible resilience to reach the final.
- Their semi-final against England was a true test of nerves, going down to a deciding-leg thriller. Davies delivered the crucial blow, taking out a challenging 96 finish to secure their place.
- The Welsh duo had previously showcased their exceptional form in the quarter-finals, where they averaged an impressive 100.26 in a dominant 4-0 victory over another Finnish pair, Jani Haavisto and Mio Varila. This performance underlined their quality and potential for the title.
Other Notable Performances and Close Calls
The Pairs competition also saw other nations vying for medals and delivering memorable performances:
- Another Welsh Medal: Liam Meek and Mark Challenger secured a second medal for Wales by defeating Luxembourg’s Jim Mayer and Tom Becker 4-0 in their quarter-final. Their impressive run included a significant 4-2 victory over the defending champions, Johan Engström and Andreas Harrysson of Sweden, ending their reign early.
- England’s Bronze: Jenson Walker and Lloyd Pennell also earned a medal for England, defeating Denmark’s Benjamin Drue Reus and Jonas Graversen in the quarter-finals to guarantee at least Bronze.
- Explosive Start, Early Exit: The Dutch duo Berry van Peer and Danny van Trijp opened their campaign with an incredible 106.65 average against Catalonia. However, despite this spectacular start, they were eliminated in the Last 32 by Ireland’s Dale McCarthy and Damien Grimes, proving that consistency is key.
- Other Last 32 Exits: Mitchell Lawrie and Scott Campbell also exited at this stage, losing 4-2 to Austria’s Franko Giuliani and Christian Goedl.
The Grand Finale: A Battle for Dominance and History
With the stage now set, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter. Davies and Bevan will aim to extend Wales’s strong performance in the tournament, building on the Red Dragon’s dominance showcased in earlier team events. Meanwhile, Masalin and Harju will be driven by the monumental goal of converting Finland’s latest Europe Cup medal into a historic first Gold. Darts fans can expect a high-stakes match filled with skill, tension, and unforgettable moments as both pairs battle for the coveted WDF Europe Cup 2026 Open Pairs title.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
