Brody Klinge produced a superb display to set up a quarter-final showdown against Gian van Veen at the KenoGO Australian Darts Masters, as James Wade delivered a darting masterclass on Day One 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. That was the adrenaline rush of my life,” reflected the 34-year-old, who averaged 96 to Smith’s 102.88.
“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 number two 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 an impregnable Wade, who averaged 112.73 in a six-leg demolition of Tim Pusey.
Wade’s average was the second-highest recorded in a World Series of Darts event in Australia, and he capped off an imperious display with a sensational 164 finish on the bull.
“That felt amazing. Everything just fell into my hands there,” admitted Wade, who 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.
“I’m not here to make the numbers up, but I’m amongst some great players. If I replicate that level tomorrow everyone is stuffed, but tomorrow is a different day!”
Elsewhere, 2024 champion Gerwyn Price will face Josh Rock in a fascinating last eight showdown on Saturday, as the Welshman sets his sights on a second Australian Darts Masters crown.
Price surged to a 6-2 victory over Australian icon Whitlock, reeling off four consecutive legs and converting back-to-back 124 and 108 checkouts to complete a convincing win.
Rock also won four straight legs to seal a 6-3 success against Adam Leek, producing a brace of ton-plus checkouts to overturn a 3-2 deficit.
Elsewhere, Jonny Clayton will go head-to-head with Australian number one Damon Heta, after opening his bid for back-to-back World Series titles with a hard-fought 6-3 victory against Ben Robb.
Heta, meanwhile, averaged 102.39 in his 6-2 thumping of fellow countryman Joe Comito, pinning 55% of his attempts at double to safely progress on home soil.
The evening’s other tie saw Bunting return to winning ways in Wollongong courtesy of a 6-3 win against Mal Cuming, who threatened a late fightback despite trailing 3-0 at one stage.
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.
Australian Darts Masters Results & Schedule
Friday August 21
First Round (Best of 11 legs)
- Brody Klinge 6-5 Ross Smith
- Stephen Bunting 6-3 Mal Cuming
- Josh Rock 6-3 Adam Leek
- James Wade 6-0 Tim Pusey
- Gian van Veen 6-3 Raymond Smith
- Jonny Clayton 6-3 Ben Robb
- Gerwyn Price 6-2 Simon Whitlock
- Damon Heta 6-2 Joe Comito
Saturday August 22 (1900 AEST)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 11 legs)
- Gerwyn Price v Josh Rock
- James Wade v Stephen Bunting
- Gian van Veen v Brody Klinge
- Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta
Semi-Finals (Best of 13 legs)
- Price/Rock v Wade/Bunting
- Van Veen/Klinge v Clayton/Heta
Final (Best of 15 legs)
- Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2
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