The world of darts has been buzzing with electrifying action! This week’s newsflash highlights Paul Krohne and Irina Armstrong claiming the prestigious Swiss Open titles. Beyond Switzerland, tournaments unfolded across England, the USA, New Zealand, and South Africa, with notable victories for Leonard Gates and Danny Young on the CDC Tour, Xiaochen Zong dominating in China, and Rudie van Staden making history in Africa. Plus, exciting updates on the PDC Premier League sponsorship and WDF Youth Championship expansion signal a vibrant future for the sport.
Swiss Open: Krohne and Armstrong Reign Supreme
The traditional WDF Silver-ranked Swiss Open in Oberglatt, Switzerland, saw some incredible performances. Germany’s Paul Krohne delivered a masterclass in the men’s event, battling through a field of 181 participants. His journey to victory included impressive wins against Petr Tous (4:1), Moreno Blom (4:1), and René Kern (5:3) before a tense final against Ron Meulenkamp. Krohne sealed his 6:4 win with a crucial 12-darter in the fifth leg, breaking Meulenkamp’s throw and never looking back. Remarkably, Moreno Blom also hit a perfect 9-darter in his very first leg of the day, a moment of pure brilliance!
In the women’s category, another German star, Irina Armstrong, emerged victorious. “Ice Baby” showcased her experience, overcoming Carolin Glas (4:0), Lena Zollikofer (4:0), and Aileen de Graaf (4:1) en route to the final. She then defeated Aurora Fochesato 5:3 with a solid 75-average, securing her second Swiss Open title, 13 years after her first!
The youth section saw Kaya Baysal defeat Switzerland’s Elia Bühlmann 4:2.
Helvetia Open: Zapata and De Graaf Take the Crown
Immediately following the Swiss Open, the Helvetia Open saw Spain’s Daniel Zapata, a former World Cup of Darts participant, claim the men’s title. He dominated his matches, culminating in a 6:1 final victory over Moreno Blom. The women’s title went to the Netherlands’ Aileen de Graaf, who beat Aurora Fochesato 5:1. Kaya Baysal continued his strong form, winning the youth event again, this time against Benjamin Dopfer 4:3.
Global Darts Action: Highlights from Around the World
Modus Darts Super Series: Weeks 5 & 6 Deliver Thrills
The Modus Darts Super Series continued its exciting run. In Week 5, Ashley Coleman triumphed with a narrow 4:3 win over Tommy Morris. Week 6 saw David Evans secure his third series victory, beating Robert Grundy 4:2.
CDC Tour (USA): Gates and Young Lead the Charge
The CDC Tour’s second weekend in Philadelphia, USA, witnessed two new champions. On Saturday, veteran Leonard Gates defeated John Part 7:3. Sunday brought a dramatic decider, with Danny Young holding his nerve to beat Ronald Sargent 7:6. The race for the U.S. Darts Masters spots is heating up:
- Adam Sevada currently leads the rankings after four events.
- Gary Mawson won the second qualifier, beating Adam Sevada 5:4.
- Sevada (as top US player) and Canada’s Brayden Hall qualified for the World Series event in New York.
- Fred Krueger secured the final spot as the highest-ranked qualifier across both events.
- Jim Long, David Cameron, Alex Spellman, and Leonard Gates had already secured their spots.
- These eight players will also compete in the North American Championship.
African Continental Tour South: Van Staden’s Breakthrough in Durban
Durban, South Africa, hosted the second event of the African Continental Tour South. Against expectations, Rudie van Staden secured his maiden title, overcoming Vernon Hollier (6:0), Christiaan Van Heerden (6:1), Cameron Carolissen (6:5), Mitch Minnie (7:3), and finally Giovanni Matthee (8:4) in an impressive run.
PDC China Pro Tour: Zong Dominates in Guangzhou
The PDC China Pro Tour’s second block in Guangzhou saw fierce competition. Xiaochen Zong claimed two titles, while Jizhou Li and Wenqing Liu each won an event. After eight of 20 tournaments, Xiaochen Zong leads the rankings ahead of his World Cup teammate Qingyu Zhan.
WDF and PDC Updates: Expanding Opportunities
WDF World Youth Championship: Bigger and Better
The WDF announced an expansion for the World Youth Championship fields starting in 2026. The Open category will now feature 12 players (up from 8), and the Girls’ category will increase to 6 players (up from 4). Reigning WDF Youth World Champions Mitchell Lawrie and Zehra Gemi will receive automatic entry.
PDC Premier League: BetMGM Sponsorship Extended
While the format for the 2027 Premier League Darts is still under discussion, one thing is clear: the PDC’s partnership with main sponsor BetMGM has been extended long-term. BetMGM, who became the title sponsor in 2024, will continue its association for years to come.
National Championships & Other WDF Action
Sport Austria Finals: Gödl and Pasa Crowned National Champions
Darts was once again a part of the Sport Austria Finals in Vienna, hosting the Austrian National Championships. Christian Gödl triumphed in the men’s event, defeating 15-year-old Alexander Lukic in the final. In the women’s category, Catalina Pasa was victorious over Zita Kayer. These finals were even broadcast by ORF, Austria’s national broadcaster, as part of the multi-sport event.
England WDF Events: Multiple Winners in Selsey
Selsey, England, hosted three WDF tournaments, bringing a flurry of winners:
- England Open (Silver): Scott Robertson defeated Chas Barstow in the men’s final, while Gemma Hayter beat darts legend Deta Hedman 5:1 in the women’s final.
- England National Singles (Silver): Harry Lane took the men’s title, and Deta Hedman secured a victory in the women’s event.
- England Selsey Open (Bronze): The relatively unknown Stuart Dutton claimed the men’s title, and “The Caribbean Queen” Deta Hedman once again emerged as the women’s champion, beating Rhian O’Sullivan.
Cherry Bomb International (USA): De Veyra and Murphy Dominate
The WDF Bronze-ranked Cherry Bomb International in Boca Raton, Florida, USA, saw the Philippines’ Ethan De Veyra claim the men’s title in a thrilling 5:4 final against Leonard Gates, who had a 4:2 lead and missed match darts. In the women’s category, Paula Murphy continued her impressive run, securing her fifth title at this event with a dominant 5:0 victory over Tracy Feiertag. Youth titles went to Easton Madison, Nalanie Tirrell, Travis Moore (U23), and Carmen Stone (U23).
Canterbury Open (New Zealand): Puha and Regnaud Repeat Success
The WDF Bronze-ranked Canterbury Open in Christchurch, New Zealand, saw Haupai Puha secure his third title at this event and his third season victory, with a commanding 5:0 win over Max Dallimore in the final. In the women’s event, favorite Nicole Regnaud, “Renegade,” also claimed her fifth season victory, defeating Taylor-Marsh Kahaki 5:1.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
