Australian Masters Underway With Field Wide Open
The final regular event of the 2026 World Series of Darts is underway in Wollongong, as the Australian Darts Masters takes centre stage on 21 and 22 August. The tournament, which sees eight PDC representatives take on eight Oceanic players, concludes the globe-trotting tour before the series finals in Amsterdam next month.
However, the field is notably missing several of the sport’s biggest names. Neither world number one Luke Humphries nor teenage star Luke Littler have made the trip, with Littler, last year’s winner, reportedly visiting Universal Studios instead. Michael van Gerwen, who leads the World Series Order of Merit after wins in Bahrain and Copenhagen, is also absent and will next compete in the defence of his Finals title.
Their absence leaves the door ajar for the chasing pack. Gerwyn Price arrives as the top seed, while his countryman Jonny Clayton is in fine form following his title-winning run at the New Zealand Darts Masters. The field also includes Stephen Bunting, James Wade, Josh Rock and Damon Heta. Ross Smith makes his debut in the event. With a varied field, many will see Price as a strong contender, and a look at the darts betting guide shows the Welshman as a popular choice to claim the title.
Life on Tour: Vegemite, Laundry and Hotel Habits
As players settle in Down Under, some have shared insights into life on the road. Gian van Veen, who faces Raymond Smith in his opening match, took time to sample a local delicacy for his ‘Local Treat Tour’ video series. The Dutchman’s verdict on Vegemite was unequivocal, telling his followers, “Sorry Australia, but you can keep that one.”
Meanwhile, Ross Smith has revealed some of the superstitions and routines that players follow during televised tournaments. The former European Champion admitted he prefers his hotel room not to be cleaned while he is still in an event to maintain consistency. He also noted a stark contrast in his approach to playing attire compared to some of his unnamed colleagues. While Smith prefers a fresh shirt for each session, he disclosed that “there are some players who don’t change their shirt and stuff like that” throughout a competition.
In Brief
- The race for qualification spots at the PDC World Championship is intensifying on the Women’s Series. With only a handful of events left, Beau Greaves is in dominant form, though Fallon Sherrock is not yet assured of her return to Alexandra Palace in December.
- This weekend also sees the WDF Swedish Open take place in Malmö. First staged in 1969, the tournament is one of the longest-running fixtures on the European calendar and its roll of honour features many famous names from the history of the WDF World Championship.
