The PDC major darts tournament boasting the most expansive and eclectic starting field has now been ruthlessly reduced to just eight surviving contenders. By Sunday evening, one of them will be crowned the 2026 UK Open Champion.
Among those still standing resolutely are three players who have previously conquered this famously unpredictable event. When the first six names were extracted from the draw, the more observant among us quickly realised the inevitable consequence: an all Welsh confrontation.
Only recently, during Premier League duties, Jonny Clayton finally managed to exorcise a stubborn three-year hoodoo against his compatriot Gerwyn Price. If The Ferret wishes to feature once again under the Sunday evening lights, he will have to repeat that accomplishment.
DARTS WORLD HALLS OF FAME: The UK Open roll of honour
As illustrious and decorated as the Welsh duo have become, neither man has yet lifted this particular piece of silverware, although Price has twice endured the frustration of finishing runner up. One of them is now guaranteed passage into the semi-finals, though predicting which Welsh talisman will prevail requires a degree of bravery.
Reigning world champion Luke Littler, meanwhile, faces another formidable examination in his quest to retain the Minehead crown. Standing in his path is Dutchman Danny Noppert who, much like the teenage sensation himself, already understands precisely what it takes to travel the entire Minehead distance.
Fresh from his emphatic victory over the world number two Luke Humphries, The Freeze will now set his sights on the one at the summit.
Rob Cross has progressed through the rounds with almost clandestine efficiency. Ironically, the same understated methodology has long been associated with his quarter final opponent James Wade.
Both men now find themselves firmly under the spotlight, each harbouring ambitions of capturing their first televised ranking major title since 2021.For Josh Rock, the Premier League campaign thus far has been a somewhat frustrating initiation.
THE UK OPEN IN FACTS AND STATS: dartsdatabase.co.uk for all you need to know
However, with the Northern Irishman now within touching distance of lifting the UK Open trophy, this opportunity could serve as the perfect catalyst to ignite his Thursday night campaign. Both competitors will likely feel quietly satisfied with the draw, and for one of them victory could represent the ideal beginning to a potentially perfect day.
Proceedings begin at 1pm GMT on Sunday afternoon. Once the quarter finals conclude, the draw will be conducted for the semi-finals and ultimately which two players will return to the stage later that evening to contest the final for Minehead glory.
UK OPEN DARTS – QUARTER-FINAL SCHEDULE
(Main Stage)
Krzysztof Ratajski v Josh Rock
James Wade v Rob Cross
Luke Littler v Danny Noppert
Jonny Clayton v Gerwyn Price
—–Ends—–
Images: PDC
