A dramatic change has hit the 2026 World Series of Darts Finals! Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung has been forced to withdraw due to illness, opening the door for Dutch fan favorite Dirk van Duijvenbode. The ‘Aubergenius’ will now step onto the oche in Amsterdam, facing Viktor Tingström in the opening round. This unexpected turn adds another layer of excitement to an already star-studded tournament featuring reigning champion Michael van Gerwen, world number one Luke Littler, and many other top contenders from September 17-20 at AFAS Live.
Illness Forces Key Player Out of Darts Showpiece
The darting world has been rocked by the news that Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung will miss the highly anticipated 2026 World Series of Darts Finals. Leung, who made a significant impact as a quarter-finalist at January’s Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, has been forced to withdraw from the prestigious event due to illness.
This unfortunate setback means the 27-year-old will not only miss the action in Amsterdam but also the upcoming final PDC Asian Tour fixtures and the crucial PDC Asian Championship. His absence leaves a gap in the tournament bracket and a missed opportunity for the rising Asian star.
Dirk van Duijvenbode Steps Up: The ‘Aubergenius’ Returns!
In accordance with PDC Rule 3.7, the first reserve from last month’s Tour Card Holder Qualifier, Dirk van Duijvenbode, has received a late call-up to fill Leung’s spot. This is a significant moment for the Dutch powerhouse, often known as the ‘Aubergenius’ for his energetic walk-on and passionate play.
Van Duijvenbode is no stranger to the big stage, boasting an impressive track record including being a World Matchplay semi-finalist earlier this year and a runner-up at the World Series Finals in 2022. His inclusion guarantees an electrifying presence and a strong contender in the field. He will now take on Sweden’s Viktor Tingström in the opening round, a match that promises to be a thrilling start to his campaign.
The 2026 World Series of Darts Finals: Amsterdam Awaits!
The 2026 World Series of Darts Finals is set to ignite AFAS Live in Amsterdam from September 17-20. This premier event brings together the sport’s elite for a thrilling display of skill and precision.
The field is absolutely stacked with talent, featuring some of the biggest names in darts:
- Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen, looking to defend his title on home soil.
- World Number One Luke Littler, whose meteoric rise continues to captivate fans globally.
- World Number Two Luke Humphries, a consistent force in the professional circuit.
- Dutch Number One Gian van Veen, aiming to make a big impression in front of his home crowd.
- Former champions Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and James Wade, all hungry to recapture past glory in the Dutch capital.
First Round Draw and Full Tournament Schedule
Here’s how the first round shapes up, with Dirk van Duijvenbode now taking his place:
- Michael van Gerwen (1) vs. Lourence Ilagan
- Kevin Doets vs. Ross Smith
- Stephen Bunting (8) vs. Josh Rock
- Rob Cross vs. Ryan Searle
- Luke Humphries (4) vs. Jermaine Wattimena
- Viktor Tingström vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Gian van Veen (5) vs. Chris Dobey
- Karel Sedláček vs. Ben Robb
- Gerwyn Price (2) vs. Brody Klinge
- Adam Leek vs. Jim Long
- James Wade (7) vs. Damon Heta
- Wessel Nijman vs. Simon Whitlock
- Luke Littler (3) vs. Danny Noppert
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Raymond Smith
- Jonny Clayton (6) vs. Alexis Toylo
- Motomu Sakai vs. Callan Rydz
Prepare for four days of intense darts action with the following schedule:
Thursday, September 17 (Round One)
- Viktor Tingström vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Rob Cross vs. Ryan Searle
- Karel Sedláček vs. Ben Robb
- Kevin Doets vs. Ross Smith
- Stephen Bunting vs. Josh Rock
- Luke Humphries vs. Jermaine Wattimena
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Lourence Ilagan
- Gian van Veen vs. Chris Dobey
Friday, September 18 (Round One)
- Adam Leek vs. Jim Long
- Motomu Sakai vs. Callan Rydz
- Wessel Nijman vs. Simon Whitlock
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Raymond Smith
- James Wade vs. Damon Heta
- Gerwyn Price vs. Brody Klinge
- Luke Littler vs. Danny Noppert
- Jonny Clayton vs. Alexis Toylo
Saturday, September 19
- Afternoon Session (Round Two): Matches involving winners from Thursday’s games.
- Evening Session (Round Two): Matches involving winners from Friday’s games.
Sunday, September 20
- Afternoon Session: Quarter-Finals
- Evening Session: Semi-Finals & Final
All times are CEST (Central European Summer Time). The schedule is subject to change.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
