Gemma Hayter is taking full advantage as Las Vegas plays host to the WDF World Masters this week. Four days into the week-long festival at the Rio Hotel & Casino, the knockout rounds have already reshaped both major draws and Hayter in still going strong.
Saturday’s semi-finals are set to crown first-time champions in at least one category and there’s still plenty to play for before the week is done, too.
The women’s competition has produced an equally compelling final four. Gemma has continued the form that saw her dominate the group stage, eliminating reigning WDF World Champion Deta Hedman before surviving a deciding-leg battle with Eve Watson.
She now meets Rhian O’Sullivan, whose consistent scoring has seen the Welshwoman register the highest knockout-stage average in the women’s event after victories over Steph Clarke and others on route to the last four (85.6).
The second semi-final pits Japan’s Miyu Miyawaki against Italy’s Aurora Fochesato, ensuring all four remaining players represent different nations. With defending champion Lorraine Hyde already out of the competition and a coveted place at the 2026 Lakeside World Championship awaiting the eventual winner, Saturday promises a fitting finale to the first World Masters staged in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the first champions of the week were crowned in the open pairs events.
Lorraine Hyde and Eve Watson became the 2026 World Open Women’s 501 Pairs Champions as they produced an excellent performance to take out Kiyo Shimizu and Roxanna VanTassel 4-1 in the final.
Images: PDC
