Eve Watson’s week in Las Vegas has ended in silverware. Days after taking eventual semi-finalist Gemma Hayter to a deciding leg in the World Masters quarter-finals, the Welshwoman went one better on the World Open stage, defeating Leanne Topper 5-3 in a high-quality final to be crowned the 2026 Women’s World Open Champion.
A 73.42 average told only part of the story, with exceptional 110 and 88 checkouts along the way underlining the composure Watson has carried through the whole of World Masters week.Watson was the inform player going into the final, after she produced similar numbers in defeating Steph Clarke 4-1 in the semi-finals.
On the other half of the draw, Leanne Topper took down recent 501 Pairs Champion Lorraine Hyde, who missed out on a meeting with her partner, Watson, in the final.Elsewhere, Gemma Hayter fell in a tough-fought last leg decider against fellow countrywoman Clarke.
Despite averaging two points higher than her opponent, and taking three legs on the spin to set up a nearly exceptional comeback, Hayter was pipped at the final post. Despite this, the two-time Women’s Series winner will have other commitments on her mind, as she will take to the Masquerade Stage for the first time on Saturday night to bring the curtain down on another title.
Taking part in a semi-final lineup where four players will represent four different nations, Hayter will be hoping she can capture the Women’s World Masters trophy and take home the $6,0000 jackpot.
World Open Women 2026 Final
Eve Watson 5-3 Leanne Topper
Semi-Finals
Eve Watson 4-1 Steph Clarke
Leanne Topper 4-0 Lorraine Hyde
Quarter-Finals
Lorraine Hyde 4-1 Miyu Miyawaki
Steph Clarke 4-1 Irina Armstrong
Leanne Topper 4-3 Deta Hedman
Eve Watson 4-1 Cali West
Images: WDF
