Former World Youth Champion Bradley Brooks finally got his hands on a long-coveted Players Championship title, beating Gerwyn Price 8–5 in the final and offering further proof that the PDC development system isn’t just working – it’s thriving.
The Blackburn thrower was in blistering form all day, casually chopping down world-class opponents with intent. Brooks started like a runaway train, smashing through Borland, Dobey, and Dolan – stations he barely paused at. Two 108+ averages in there for good measure, and the other – a nudge over the ton mark.
After that, the big names kept coming, and Bradley kept swinging. He edged out the highly decorated James Wade in a last-leg decider, then dismantled an in-form Josh Rock 6–1 in the quarters – the same Rocky who’s been playing darts lately like he’s late for something.
In the semi-final, he faced another swimming in uncharted waters – James Hurrell – and instantly fell 3–0 behind. But rather than panic, Brooks flicked the switch, turned it around, and pinched the decider with a 14-darter against the throw. Ice-cold stuff.
And just in case the day hadn’t been hard enough, in the final he was up against the formidable Gerwyn Price – a man who hoovers up Players Championships like Pac-Man on a sugar high. A strong start was pivotal for Brooks – and that’s what he got, taking a 3–1 lead. On throw, the Iceman couldn’t crack him, and Bam Bam sealed the biggest senior win of his career to date.
Interviewed straight after the victory, Bradley said he had no words. Then went full Oscar speech mode for about five minutes, thanking his family, manager, girlfriend, and perhaps even the Uber driver – I lost count. At least he didn’t start singing like Heta yesterday.
Watch out. From the evidence shown, this is a new version of Bradley Brooks – a cooler, calmer, and more clinical one who even suggested that losing his Tour Card may have done him the world of good. Hard to argue. He’s been threatening something special all week, and now he’s got his floor title. His eyes are firmly set on more – ideally a TV major. The kid in orange is glowing again.
Elsewhere in Leicester, the other major headline was Michael Smith failing to qualify for the Matchplay. The former World Champion couldn’t close the gap to the top sixteen on the Pro Tour Order of Merit and loses out by one spot. It’s the first time he’ll miss the Winter Gardens since 2013 – and you can bet he’s already circling Blackpool 2026 in his diary.
One man who’s delighted? Ryan Joyce, who squeaked in by the narrowest of margins. After losing his board final to Cameron Menzies, the only man left standing who could leapfrog him was Krzysztof Ratajski – but he needed a run to the final. So, facing Gezzy Price in the quarters – it’s obvious who Relentless was rooting for. And whatever darting gods the 39-year-old was praying to must have heard him, as Price prevailed. Joyce may now owe the Welshman a stick of rock when he gets up to Blackpool – or at least a pint.
When the dust settled, the sixteen in the vital spots arriving in Leicester remained unchanged. Speculation suggested drama and anxious waits. Apart from Ryan Joyce having a few moments of panic, it was mainly plain sailing for those already occupying them.
That means this year’s summer festival of tungsten action will be missing some huge names. In addition to Smith, they include former winner on the North-West coast Dimitri Van den Bergh. Also missing out: reigning European Champion Richie Edhouse, and a couple of recent(ish) World Championship semi-finalists in Gabriel Clemens and Scott Williams. A brutal reminder of how stacked the talent pool is – and how unforgiving the system can be.
Before Blackpool, there’s one more tune-up – the Baltic Sea Darts Open this weekend in Germany, which really should look at a name change. Then it’s off to the seaside… well, for 32 of them anyway.
—–ENDS—-
Images: PDC
