Coronation day has arrived in Minehead. From the vast and unpredictable battalion that began this year’s UK Open darts, only four competitors now remain standing, each separated by just two matches from claiming the 2026 crown.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the reigning champion Luke Littler remains firmly on course to defend his title. The teenage phenomenon once again delivered a devastating exhibition of tungsten precision to extinguish Danny Noppert’s hopes of writing a second Somerset success story.
The Nuke hovered around the formidable 105 average mark, combining his trademark bombardment of relentless power-scoring with ruthlessly efficient finishing to produce another performance of imperious authority.
THE UK OPEN IN FACTS AND STATS: dartsdatabase.co.uk for all you need to know
Awaiting the world champion in this evening’s semi-final is Josh Rock, after the Northern Irishman surged through his quarter final with an impressive late flourish. The Antrim Ace eventually subdued the quiet oche assassin, Krzysztof Ratajski, though not before the Polish Eagle had exploded from the starting blocks with majestic scoring.
For a Perhaps unsurprisingly, the reigning champion Luke Littler remains firmly on course to defend his title it appeared the Eastern European might soar away with the contest, yet Rock gradually asserted control before closing the match with composed conviction.
Elsewhere, the all Welsh showdown between Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton delivered the kind of enthralling spectacle that many had anticipated. In another fiercely contested chapter of their rivalry, it was once again The Iceman who emerged victorious. Price edged ahead early and, despite Clayton refusing to allow his compatriot any breathing space, Gezzy maintained his slender advantage with admirable resilience.
Ultimately, he repelled The Ferret’s relentless pursuit to keep alive his long-standing ambition of finally capturing a maiden UK Open title.Standing between Price and a place in the final is a man who knows this tournament better perhaps than the Butlins CEO – James Wade.
The Machine progressed after edging past fellow Englishman Rob Cross in a dramatic last leg decider. In terms of quality, it was not the most scintillating contest of the weekend, with both men producing averages hovering either side of the ninety mark, yet Wade’s early authority proved decisive.
After racing into a commanding 4-1 lead in the opening session, the Aldershot veteran never surrendered his advantage and ultimately navigated his way across the finish line. Intriguingly, had Clayton prevailed in the all Welsh clash, the sport would have been presented with an extraordinary coincidence. The semi-final foursome would have been identical to the quartet that contested this very stage twelve months ago. Given the anarchic nature of the UK Open’s open draw format, the probability of that occurring would have been comparable to landing the national lottery jackpot.
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Instead, it is Gerwyn Price who proudly carries the Welsh flag into the final four. Alongside him stands the reigning UK Open champion, a man who already owns three of these coveted titles, and one half of the current World Cup winning partnership in Josh Rock.In other words, Minehead is perfectly poised for a spectacular conclusion.
UK OPEN DARTS – QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS
Krzysztof Ratajski v Josh Rock
James Wade v Rob Cross
Luke Littler v Danny Noppert
Jonny Clayton v Gerwyn Price
SEMI-FINAL SCHEDULE
James Wade v Gerwyn Price
Luke Littler v Josh Rock
—–Ends—–
Images: PDC
