The 2025 Canadian Darts Open, staged in vibrant Quebec and overseen by the National Darts Federation of Canada under the World Darts Federation (WDF) umbrella, delivered a weekend of thrilling competition and standout performances. Players from across the country showcased their skills, but it was Clint Clarkson and Maria Carli who stole the headlines with memorable title victories.
In the Men’s singles, Calgary’s Clint Clarkson – known on the oche as The Clintcher – emerged as the champion after an impressive run. The director of a plumbing company combined sharp finishing with steady scoring, culminating in a 5-2 triumph over Darryl Christie in the final.
Clarkson’s route to the title was no easy feat, as he overcame former World Cup of Darts icon Jeff Smith in a high quality semi. This victory not only secured national bragging rights but also propelled Clarkson past Shane Sakchekapo in the WDF provisional Lakeside standings, moving him closer to a coveted place at the World Championship.
On the Women’s side, Maria Carli reaffirmed her status as one of Canada’s most formidable darts players. The experienced Carli claimed her fourth Canadian Open title with a clinical 5-2 win against Debbie Lewis-Christmas, delighting fans with superb 112 and 117 checkouts in the process. Carli’s victory extended her lead at the top of the regional rankings, confirming her qualification for a long-awaited return to the Women’s World Championship – a full decade after making her debut on that stage.
There was plenty of action in the pairs and team events as well. Clarkson teamed up with Angela Aucoin to secure the mixed doubles crown, defeating Braydon Hall and Shianna McIver 3-1. Aucoin’s weekend didn’t stop there: she and Carli combined to win the Women’s doubles title, producing a dominant 3-0 victory over Valerie Ushanova and Bailey Watson. The Men’s doubles saw Shane Sakchekapo and Tyler Nelson take the honours, brushing aside the experienced duo of Jeff Smith and John Part with a 3-0 win.
Meanwhile, the Women’s team event was clinched by the quartet of Tina Chiasson, Kelly Matthews, Ashley Bromley and Sheila Morris, who defeated Terri Rogers, Crystal Bennett, Jennifer Voisey and Sophie Tuglavina 2-0 in a solid team display. Over in the Men’s team competition – Brian Dean, Ken Hwang, Josh Daynes and Nelson Bacus edged out the high-profile team of John Part, Jeff Smith, Rob Donnelly and Derrick Hynes in a tight 2-1 battle, rounding off a weekend that blended individual brilliance with team spirit.
With high-quality darts, passionate crowds, and key ranking implications, the 2025 Canadian Darts Open once again highlighted the strength and depth of talent there.
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Images: ADO
