The 2026 World Series of Darts Finals is back, baby, and Saturday is going to be absolutely nuts! We’re talking eight massive spots in Sunday’s quarterfinal session up for grabs. You know what that means: the pressure is cranked to eleven, and only the best are gonna make it to the final day. This isn’t just about winning a match, it’s about making a statement for the whole weekend!
The Standouts and the Comebacks
Ross Smith is looking absolutely dialed in, picking up a predicted 10-4 win over Daryl Gurney. Seriously, Gurney was lucky to even get this far, surviving “several match darts” against MVG in a full-distance encounter. But Smith? He was the “clear standout player” on Thursday, showing that “consistent and efficient standard” we’ve seen from him for months. No surprises there.
But listen up, because Josh Rock is the real deal! He’s predicted to take down Ryan Searle 10-6, and if you watched him on Thursday, you know why. This dude looked like a “well-oiled machine” out there. It wasn’t an easy win, nope, because his opponent Stephen Bunting was playing “incredible darts” himself, but Rock still pulled off a “late-match comeback.” He’s had a “pretty good year on tour,” and with that kind of opening performance, he’s totally got the potential to go “much further” in this thing. I’m telling you, keep an eye on Rock!
Fierce Battles and Expected Dominance
Over in another epic clash, Luke Humphries is set to beat Dirk van Duijvenbode 10-5. Sure, DVD recently got the best of Humphries at an ET event, but don’t expect a repeat performance here. The required “10 legs to win favors Humphries,” even if he’s playing a Dutch player in Amsterdam again. He’s got enough time in this longer format to work through any “short dry spells or struggles.” He’s gonna be pushed, no doubt, but he’s got the grit.
Then you’ve got Gian van Veen, who’s predicted to win 10-6 against Karel Sedlacek. Both players had “good opening performances,” with GVV beating Chris Dobey 6-2 and Sedlacek beating Ben Robb 6-2. Sedlacek will give him a “tough battle,” like he always does, but I just don’t see him picking up the win here.
Gerwyn Price? He’s expected to have a “fairly routine day,” taking Jim Long down 10-4. Price was “dominant for most of his opening match,” even if Brody Klinge did storm back a bit in the second half. Don’t expect that kind of comeback against Price this time. If he brings his A or even his B game, it’s done.
The Match-Up You Can’t Miss
Okay, if you watch only one match, make it James Wade vs. Wessel Nijman. This is predicted to go to Nijman 10-8, and it’s going to be “one of the best ties of the second round!” Both players are “in-form,” and Nijman’s chances look good based on their opening results. Wade is Wade, he “can beat anyone on any given day,” but Nijman’s already had a “great year.” He’s been having a “great weekend at a major,” and it seriously feels like he’s about to “open the floodgates.” This is the kind of match that defines a tournament. And don’t forget Luke Littler, who’s predicted to beat Nathan Aspinall 10-7. His streak at majors could be continuing, and you know everyone’s watching him!
So yeah, it’s Saturday, the darts are flying, and those spots for Sunday’s quarterfinals are calling. Who’s gonna step up and who’s going home? This is what we live for, right? Get ready for some epic action!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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