This week in darts brought a flurry of excitement with the final two PDC World Championship spots heading to the Tour Card Holder Qualifier, setting up a thrilling ‘Last Chance’ showdown. We also saw Ben Robb secure his sixth trip to the Ally Pally, Neil Duff dominate the Modus Darts Super Series, and incredible comeback victories from Carsten Hoffmann in Iceland. Plus, there were significant WDF titles across the USA, Spain, and Germany, alongside emerging talent shining in Austrian youth events.
PDC World Championship: The Race for Ally Pally
The final two coveted spots for the PDC World Darts Championship 2024 will be decided in the Tour Card Holder Qualifier. This means the ‘Last Chance Qualifier’ on November 30th in Leicester will now offer a total of four tickets to the prestigious Alexandra Palace. All PDC Tour Card holders who haven’t yet secured their spot for darts’ biggest event are eligible to compete, promising a high-stakes battle.
Modus Darts Super Series: Duff Dominates Again
Neil Duff continued his remarkable form, securing his eighth weekly title in the Modus Darts Super Series. In Week 5 of Season 15, the Northern Irishman defeated Israel’s Dmitrii Rogov 4-1 in the final. Justin Smith and Martyn Turner were semi-finalists. Germany’s Daniel Klose reached the final night but lost both his group stage matches. A highlight of the week was Noa-Lynn van Leuven’s impressive nine-darter during her match against Daniel Klose.
Key Results:
- Semi-finals:
- Dmitrii Rogov 4-2 Martyn Turner
- Neil Duff 4-0 Justin Smith
- Final:
- Neil Duff 4-1 Dmitrii Rogov
DPNZ Tour: Ben Robb’s Sixth World Championship Qualification
The DPNZ Tour in New Zealand has crowned its champion, with Ben Robb securing his spot for the PDC World Darts Championship for the sixth time. “Big Rig” achieved this feat with a semi-final appearance and a last-32 finish. Despite his consistent qualification, the New Zealander is still seeking his first victory at Alexandra Palace. Meanwhile, Haupai Puha claimed the last two titles in Auckland, both times defeating Jonny Tata 7-6 in thrilling finals. Tata will join Robb in the ANZ Premier League, where another World Championship ticket is up for grabs.
Recent DPNZ Tour Finals:
- Event 11 Final: Haupai Puha 7-6 Jonny Tata
- Event 12 Final: Haupai Puha 7-6 Jonny Tata
WDF Global Action: Titles Across Continents
The World Darts Federation (WDF) circuit saw action across several countries, delivering exciting outcomes and new champions.
Iceland Open & Masters: Hoffmann’s Epic Comeback
The WDF events in Iceland produced some incredible drama. Germany’s Carsten Hoffmann delivered a stunning performance in the Iceland Open (WDF Silver) final, coming back from a 1-5 deficit to defeat Matthew Edgar 7-6 and claim the title. This victory also provisionally secures his spot for the WDF World Championship. In the ladies’ event, Margaret Sutton triumphed 6-2 over Steinunn Dagny Ingvarsdottir. The Iceland Masters (WDF Bronze) saw Aaron Turner win his first WDF title against Matthew Edgar, while Margaret Sutton completed a double victory, beating Brynja Herborg.
Key Results from Iceland:
- Iceland Open Men’s Final: Carsten Hoffmann 7-6 Matthew Edgar (after trailing 1-5)
- Iceland Open Ladies’ Final: Margaret Sutton 6-2 Steinunn Dagny Ingvarsdottir
- Iceland Masters Men’s Final: Aaron Turner 7-6 Matthew Edgar
- Iceland Masters Ladies’ Final: Margaret Sutton 6-4 Brynja Herborg
Catalonia Open & FCD Anniversary Open: Spanish Success & Belgian Triumph
The picturesque Calella in Barcelona hosted the annual Catalonia Open and FCD Anniversary Open, both WDF Bronze events. In the Catalonia Open, Jenson Walker prevented a home victory by defeating Spain’s Martin Marti Santamaria 5-4 in the men’s final. Paula Jacklin was the dominant force in the ladies’ events, winning both the Catalonia Open (5-1 vs Anna Forsmark) and the FCD Anniversary Open (5-4 vs Anna Forsmark). Belgium’s Timothy Verbrugghe secured the FCD Anniversary Open men’s title, beating Nick Fullwell 5-1.
Winners in Catalonia:
- Catalonia Open Men: Jenson Walker
- Catalonia Open Ladies: Paula Jacklin
- FCD Anniversary Open Men: Timothy Verbrugghe
- FCD Anniversary Open Ladies: Paula Jacklin
Washington Area Open: Phillips and Carli Crowned
In Herndon, USA, the Washington Area Open (WDF Silver) saw Robbie Phillips emerge victorious in the Open competition, navigating a tough field to defeat Joey Lynaugh 5-3 in the final. For the ladies, Maria Carli clinched the title, overcoming Layla Buntz 5-2 in her final match.
Washington Area Open Champions:
- Men’s Champion: Robbie Phillips
- Ladies’ Champion: Maria Carli
German Youth Darts: DDV Challenge Cup
The DDV Challenge Cup for junior players (U16) was held in Checkpoint Borken. Simon Neuberth claimed the boys’ title with a strong 5-4 win against Lucas Lenz, playing with an impressive 79-average in the final. Panagiota Kentzidou was victorious in the girls’ competition, defeating Tiffany Reschke 4-0.
DDV Challenge Cup Winners:
- Boys U16: Simon Neuberth
- Girls U16: Panagiota Kentzidou
Austrian Youth World Ranking Tournaments: Stars of Tomorrow
Klagenfurt, Austria, hosted four WDF Youth World Ranking tournaments, showcasing the future talent of darts. Notable performances included Mika Donnevert winning two U18 boys’ titles, securing a provisional spot for the WDF World Championship despite having no ranking points just two weeks prior. Kimi Seemann also found repeated success. Austrian talents Sarah Schellander and Nadine Spet dominated the girls’ categories, each claiming three titles in their respective U18 and U23 age groups.
Youth Tournament Winners Overview:
- Boys U18: Raphael Küther, Lukas Daichendt, Mika Donnevert (2x)
- Girls U18: Sarah Schellander (3x), Nina Andrejkovicova
- Boys U23: Raphael Strohhäusel, Leonard Lukic, Kimi Seemann (2x)
- Girls U23: Nadine Spet (3x), Johanna Munker
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
