The ADC Winmau Championship North section delivered an unforgettable weekend of darts in Middlesbrough, where two champions emerged victorious after a series of nail-biting encounters. David Sumner claimed the Event One title, navigating an incredible five last-leg deciders, including a tense 5-4 final win. Not to be outdone, Daniel Ayres snatched the Event Two crown with an equally dramatic comeback, overturning a 3-0 deficit against a formidable opponent to secure his victory. Both players showcased incredible resilience and skill, earning their first major titles of 2026.
Sumner’s Marathon Victory at Event One
David Sumner’s path to the Event One title was nothing short of a marathon, filled with nerve-wracking moments. He proved his mettle by winning an astonishing five last-leg deciders throughout the day, culminating in a dramatic 5-4 victory against Gary Hayes in the final, securing the £1,000 top prize.
Sumner’s Road to Glory:
- Started strong with an 88.41 average, whitewashing Jon-Sebastian Wright.
- Showcased consistent form, averaging over 92 to edge past 2025 Red Dragon Doubles Champion Carl Batchelor 4-3 in a tight last 64 clash.
- After dispatching Callum Cockburn, he faced back-to-back 5-4 battles against Trevor Burkhill and Ben Townley, demonstrating incredible composure under pressure.
- The semi-final against Graham Usher was perhaps the most dramatic: Sumner mounted a remarkable comeback from 4-2 down, capitalizing after Usher missed multiple match darts, and sealed the win with a sublime 105 finish.
Hayes’ Impressive Run:
Gary Hayes, Sumner’s final opponent, also had an exceptional tournament, showcasing his scoring power from the outset.
- Began with a dominant performance, averaging over 100 in a whitewash victory against Jasper Scarrott.
- Secured further wins against Adam Hunt, Richard Rowlands, and Ash Coleman.
- Defeated the talented 16-year-old Lewis Cook 5-3 in the quarter-finals, a player making waves in the darts scene.
- Stormed into the final with a commanding 5-1 win over Billy Leonard.
The final itself was a masterclass in tension. With no breaks of throw, the match inevitably went to the deciding leg. Sumner held his nerve, hitting a crucial 15-darter to claim the title.
Ayres’ Stunning Comeback in Event Two
Event Two delivered another dose of high drama, with Daniel Ayres pulling off a truly memorable victory. He overcame a daunting 3-0 deficit in the final to defeat former PDC Tour Card holder Steve Lennon in a pulsating encounter.
Ayres’ Path to the Crown:
- Began with two comfortable wins, setting a strong tone.
- Faced a tough challenge in the last 64, battling to a 4-3 victory against Andy Courtney, who had earlier recorded an impressive 108.75 average.
- Maintained high standards, securing a 4-0 win against Kenzie Cann with a 93.94 average to reach the last 16.
- Continued his strong form, beating Geoff Murray 5-3, and then booked his final spot with a solid 5-1 semi-final win against Kevin Lane, averaging 93.66.
Lennon’s Formidable Challenge:
Steve Lennon’s journey to the final was equally impressive, showcasing why he’s a former PDC Tour Card holder.
- Kicked off his campaign by defeating Winmau Championship South Event winner Alan Slater.
- Followed up with a dominant win against Dan Brown.
- Showed resilience by coming from 3-1 down to defeat the promising 16-year-old Lewis Cook, mirroring Cook’s earlier strong performance.
- Secured further victories against Carl Batchelor and Ciaran Forde, maintaining a high standard with a 97.46 average.
- Squeezed past Ryan Hogarth in a deciding leg in the semi-finals, averaging 96.
The final started with Lennon in control, racing to a 3-0 lead, capped by an 87 finish. However, Ayres refused to yield. A magnificent 103 finish got him on the scoreboard, igniting his comeback. He swiftly levelled the match, setting up a thrilling final leg. With the pressure immense, Lennon missed three darts for the victory, and Ayres seized the opportunity, pinning tops for a famous win and the top prize.
The ADC Winmau Championship North once again delivered incredible darts action, highlighting the depth of talent and the thrilling unpredictability of the sport.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
