The inaugural Poland Darts Open is reaching its climax in Krakow, with the quarter-final lineup now complete. While top contenders like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries continue their dominant runs, the biggest story of the day is the remarkable comeback of Michael Smith. “Bully Boy,” stepping in as a last-minute replacement, defied his recent struggles to secure a coveted spot in the last eight. Alongside him, Chris Dobey pulled off a stunning comeback, while Josh Rock, Stephen Bunting, Wessel Nijman, and Gian van Veen also secured their places, setting the stage for an electrifying final session.
Michael Smith’s Resurgent Run
It hasn’t been an easy period for Michael Smith. The “Bully Boy,” who has been battling injuries, showed a glimmer of his old form by qualifying for two European Tour events earlier. Now, taking his chance as a replacement for the ill Gerwyn Price, Smith has truly capitalized. He secured a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Price’s fellow countryman, Jonny Clayton, to reach his first European Tour quarter-final in quite some time.
Smith started strong against Clayton, quickly establishing a 3-1 lead with legs in 13 and 15 darts. However, a missed opportunity on double 14 allowed Clayton to creep back, leveling the score at 5-4. The tension was palpable as Clayton then narrowly missed a 115 checkout that would have punished Smith’s three missed match darts. But Smith held his nerve, eventually closing out the match and keeping his tournament hopes alive.
Dramatic Comebacks and Dominant Displays
The afternoon session in Krakow was filled with thrilling encounters and impressive performances, setting the stage for an explosive final session.
Dobey’s Incredible Turnaround
One of the most dramatic matches saw Chris Dobey stage a stunning comeback against Luke Woodhouse. Woodhouse had taken a commanding 4-1 lead and almost extended it to 5-1 with a 110 checkout attempt. However, Dobey clawed his way back, winning leg after leg, including two consecutive 72 checkouts and a brilliant 12-darter to make it 5-4. Woodhouse survived Dobey’s first match dart to force a decider, but despite both players missing crucial doubles, Dobey ultimately prevailed 6-5 on double 1.
Littler and Rock Advance
The highly anticipated clash between Luke Littler and Ross Smith saw “The Nuke” assert his dominance with a 6-2 win. Despite a slow start where Ross Smith almost capitalized with a 160 checkout, Littler quickly found his rhythm, winning four consecutive legs in 14 darts or less to take control. Ross Smith’s missed dart at double for a possible 4-3 sealed his fate, paving the way for Littler.
Meanwhile, Josh Rock ended Cristo Reyes’ fairytale return to the European Tour stage with a 6-3 victory. Reyes initially led 2-0 and later broke back with a 12-darter to maintain a lead. However, “Rocky” responded with a brilliant 10-darter to level the score and then powered through, including an impressive 81 checkout on the bullseye for a 5-3 lead, securing his spot in the quarter-finals.
Humphries, Bunting, Nijman, and van Veen Complete the Lineup
In the bottom half of the draw, world number one Luke Humphries had a relatively straightforward 6-1 win against Boris Krcmar. Despite some missed doubles from Humphries, Krcmar could only convert one of his nine attempts, allowing “Cool Hand Luke” to comfortably advance.
Stephen Bunting delivered a clinical performance, dispatching Jermaine Wattimena 6-1. After Wattimena checked out 96 to level at 1-1, Bunting took full control, highlighted by a spectacular 136 checkout to make it 5-1, leaving no doubt about his quarter-final qualification.
Young Dutch talent Wessel Nijman continued his impressive run, storming past Cameron Menzies 6-1. Nijman was relentless, securing legs in 15, 14, 15, and 13 darts to build a 4-0 lead before Menzies even had a dart at a double. While Menzies briefly showed fight with an 11-darter, Nijman quickly closed out the match with checkouts of 116 and 63.
Nijman will now face fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen, who emerged victorious from a tense 6-5 battle against Nathan Aspinall. “The Asp” started strongly, nearly taking a 3-0 lead. He held a break advantage until van Veen brilliantly checked out 122 on the bullseye to level. Despite overshooting 65 for a potential match dart, van Veen recovered to capitalize on his third chance in the deciding leg, securing his spot in the final eight.
Poland Darts Open Quarter-Finals Schedule
The final session of the Poland Darts Open 2026 kicks off on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 19:00 CET, featuring the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final.
Quarter-Final Matches:
- Luke Littler vs. Josh Rock
- Chris Dobey vs. Michael Smith
- Luke Humphries vs. Stephen Bunting
- Gian van Veen vs. Wessel Nijman
Prize Money Breakdown
A total prize fund of £230,000 is up for grabs at the Poland Darts Open. The winner will take home a significant £35,000.
It’s important to note that for prize money to count towards the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit, players must win their opening match. If they lose their first game, they still receive the prize money, but it does not contribute to their ranking.
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-finalists: £10,000
- Quarter-finalists: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Last 32: £3,500
- Last 48: £2,000
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
