Australian Darts Masters: James Wade dominates tournament opener as Ross Smith stunned by Brody Klinge in Wollongong

21.08.2026, 18:06 skysports.com

Brody Klinge set up a quarter-final showdown against Gian van Veen at the KenoGo Australian Darts Masters after a shock victory over Ross Smith in Wollongong.

Klinge was the solitary Oceanic representative to triumph on a terrific opening day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, registering an 11-dart break to sink Ross Smith in a deciding-leg epic.

Smith crashed in eight maximums during a captivating affair, although he was punished for squandering two match darts in the decider, as Klinge celebrated the biggest victory of his career.

"I'm over the moon with that," said Klinge, who averaged 96 to Smith's 102.88. "That was the adrenaline rush of my life. I felt a lot more comfortable playing this time around and it showed in my performance I think.

"Ross was throwing everything at me. I was lucky he missed at the end there, but I took my chance. I'm on a free rein now. I'm just going to do my best and keep going. There's no pressure on me."

Klinge's reward is a tussle against Van Veen on Finals Day, after the world No 2 conjured up a spectacular 161 checkout to wrap up a clinical 6-3 success against Raymond Smith.

However, the performance of the night was produced by James Wade, who averaged 112.73 - the second-highest recorded in a World Series of Darts event in Australia - during a six-leg demolition of Tim Pusey.

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"That felt amazing. Everything just fell into my hands there," admitted Wade, who closed out victory with a 164 finish and will play Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals.

"I think I'm guilty of sometimes forgetting how lucky I am to do what I do, but I'm just happy to be here and I'm playing alright. If I replicate that level tomorrow everyone is stuffed, but tomorrow is a different day!"

2024 champion Gerwyn Price will face Josh Rock in a fascinating last-eight showdown on Saturday, having reeled off four consecutive legs - including back-to-back 124 and 108 checkouts - in a 6-2 victory over Simon Whitlock.

Rock also won four straight legs to seal a 6-3 success against Adam Leek, while Jonny Clayton will go head-to-head with Australian No 1 Damon Heta after opening his bid for back-to-back World Series titles with a hard-fought 6-3 victory against Ben Robb.

Heta averaged 102.39 in his 6-2 thumping of fellow countryman Joe Comito, while the other tie saw Stephen Bunting fight back from trailing 3-0 to beat Mal Cuming 6-3.

The 2026 Australian Darts Masters will reach its climax with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final during a blockbuster evening session at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

First round (best of 11 legs) Brody Klinge 6-5 Ross SmithStephen Bunting 6-3 Mal CumingJosh Rock 6-3 Adam LeekJames Wade 6-0 Tim PuseyGian van Veen 6-3 Raymond SmithJonny Clayton 6-3 Ben RobbGerwyn Price 6-2 Simon WhitlockDamon Heta 6-2 Joe Comito

Quarter-Finals - from 10am UK time (Best of 11 legs)Gerwyn Price vs Josh RockJames Wade vs Stephen BuntingGian van Veen vs Brody KlingeJonny Clayton vs Damon Heta

Semi-Finals (Best of 13 legs)Price/Rock v Wade/BuntingVan Veen/Klinge v Clayton/Heta

Final (Best of 15 legs)

Who will win this year's BoyleSports World Grand Prix? World No 1 Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action live from September 28-October 4 on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.