The recent Players Championships in Milton Keynes have delivered a thrilling spectacle, showcasing both established stars finding their stride and exciting new talents making their mark. Luke Woodhouse continued his incredible run by adding more silverware to his collection, while former World Champion Rob Cross demonstrated a significant return to form. Many other players, including Cristo Reyes and the Irish duo of Mansell and O’Connor, also seized their opportunities, proving that consistency and resilience are key to success on the highly competitive darts circuit.
Woodhouse’s Unstoppable Rise Continues
Luke Woodhouse is undoubtedly the man of the moment in darts. Following his historic maiden Players Championship title, the Worcestershire thrower immediately backed it up with another trophy at the Baltic Sea Darts Open. His incredible fortnight continued in Milton Keynes, where he pushed deep into the semi-finals, only narrowly losing in a captivating last-leg decider to Jeffrey de Graaf. This sustained performance highlights Woodhouse’s soaring confidence and remarkable competitive spirit.
Rob Cross: A World Champion Reclaims His Form
For former World Champion Rob Cross, nicknamed “Voltage,” the Milton Keynes event marked a significant turning point. He delivered his most impressive performance on the ProTour (floor events) this season, reaching the semi-finals before being stopped by Jonny Clayton. This run is particularly noteworthy as it represents Cross’s deepest tournament finish of 2026 so far. Combined with his semi-final appearances in two of his last three European Tour events, it’s clear that Rob Cross’s form is sharply on the rise, promising an exciting second half of the season.
Resilience and Breakthroughs: Other Noteworthy Performances
The tournament also saw several other players make significant strides, often after challenging periods:
- Cristo Reyes (Spain): After a series of early exits, Reyes rediscovered his top form, making a strong run to the quarter-finals. This was his most substantial advancement of the year, reminding everyone of his respected international pedigree.
- Mickey Mansell & William O’Connor (Ireland): This Irish duo both pushed into the quarter-final stage, a relatively unfamiliar but welcome territory for them this season. They eventually bowed out to Woodhouse and Cross respectively, but their consistent play was a clear highlight.
Seizing the Opportunity: New Faces and Veteran Comebacks
With several prominent names absent from the event, the door opened for others to shine, and many players eagerly stepped through:
- Bradley Brooks & Mervyn King: Both players reached the last 16, matching their best tournament runs of the year. This demonstrates a renewed competitive edge for both the rising talent Brooks and the “evergreen” veteran King.
Rob Owen’s Remarkable Turnaround
A special mention must go to Rob Owen, whose season began with frustration and inconsistency. He struggled to win consecutive matches until late April. However, since that breakthrough, his fortunes have dramatically changed. Across his last nine appearances, Owen has suffered only one first-round defeat, impressively securing two quarter-final finishes and adding a last-16 showing in Milton Keynes. This sustained improvement suggests the Welshman is finally building the momentum needed to become a regular contender in the latter half of the season.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
