A Thrilling Opening to the Bahrain Darts Masters 2026
Tonight marks an exhilarating kickoff at Exhibition World in Sakhir for the Bahrain Darts Masters, the inaugural tournament of the 2026 World Series of Darts. This year, the stage is set for an electrifying match-up between eight PDC superstars and eight top-tier Asian representatives. The anticipation is palpable as fans gear up for a night of high-stakes competition.
A Legacy of Competition in Bahrain
For the fourth consecutive year, the Bahrain Darts Masters has become a celebrated fixture in the World Series calendar. Over the years, the event has showcased thrilling performances that keep spectators on the edge of their seats. The inaugural edition in 2023 saw Michael Smith triumph over Gerwyn Price with an 8-6 victory in a nail-biting final. Interestingly, Smith will not feature in this year’s competition, having slipped to 32nd in the world rankings, while Price returns with an eye on reclaiming his glory.
The momentum continued in 2024 when Luke Littler, fresh from an emotional World Championship final defeat, claimed victory against Michael van Gerwen in the final with a score of 8-5. Last year, it was Stephen Bunting who stood tall, defeating Price 8-4 to secure the title. This edition sees Littler, Van Gerwen, and Bunting all vying for another shot at victory.
The Challengers: Young and Talented
Among the participants is Luke Littler, who enters the tournament as the clear favorite following an astonishing winning streak, including a second world title. Alongside him, PDC stars Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Danny Noppert, and Nathan Aspinall add depth to the competition.
Littler will face off against celebrated players from the Asian darting scene, including Abdulla Saeed and Basem Mahmoud from Bahrain, as well as Alexis Toylo and Lourence Ilagan.
Match Previews: Clash of Titans
Gerwyn Price vs. Motomu Sakai
The evening opens with Gerwyn Price squaring off against Japan’s Motomu Sakai. Price, currently ranked 12th in the world, is on a quest to reclaim major titles, having last won one in 2022. Despite some controversies surrounding his selection for the Premier League Darts, he hopes to silence critics tonight. Sakai, who made headlines at the last World Darts Championship, is looking to capitalize on his newfound recognition.
Gian van Veen vs. Man Lok Leung
Next up, 23-year-old Gian van Veen makes his World Series Darts debut against Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung. Fresh from a European Championship victory, Van Veen aims to extend his excellent form. This match will be particularly interesting as Leung previously bested Van Veen at the 2024 World Championships.
Danny Noppert vs. Basem Mahmood
Danny Noppert starts his journey against Bahraini player Basem Mahmood. Though Mahmood boasts prior experience in World Series events, his odds of advancing against the skilled Noppert don’t appear high. However, a potential quarterfinal clash between Noppert and Van Veen could be a highlight worth waiting for.
Nathan Aspinall vs. Lourence Ilagan
Known for his competitive spirit, Nathan Aspinall will face Lourence Ilagan, a veteran in the circuit. Despite a modest world ranking, Aspinall is determined to prove he still belongs among the elite. Ilagan can surprise with a high average on his day, but Aspinall is expected to navigate this match with relative ease.
Luke Humphries vs. Abdulla Saeed
In a clash that promises high drama, Luke Humphries, a former world number one, takes on local favorite Abdulla Saeed. Humphries is desperate to regain his confidence after a challenging World Championship. While Saeed will surely benefit from home crowd support, it is expected that Humphries’ skill level may prove too high for Saeed.
Luke Littler vs. Paul Lim
In one of the most anticipated matches, the reigning world champion Luke Littler is pitted against the ageless Paul Lim, the tournament’s oldest participant at 71. With Littler carrying an air of invincibility following his recent successes, this matchup presents a fascinating narrative of youth against experience. Lim must pull off a monumental upset to secure a place in the next round.
Michael van Gerwen vs. Alexis Toylo
Michael van Gerwen, known as “Mighty Mike,” is set to face Alexis Toylo. Despite experiencing a lackluster year by his standards, Van Gerwen aims to make a statement. Toylo, with his slower throwing style, might disrupt the pace, but Van Gerwen is favored based on sheer talent.
Stephen Bunting vs. Ryusei Azemoto
Finally, Stephen Bunting, the defending champion, closes the first night of competition against Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto. Amidst the controversies that marked his Premier League selection, Bunting will aim to assert his dominance once more. Azemoto is coming off a first-round exit from the recent World Darts Championship, making this opening match crucial for him.
As the stage is set in Sakhir, excitement is building for a night filled with thrilling shots, dramatic moments, and the promise of unforgettable darting action. The Bahrain Darts Masters 2026 is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport that encapsulates skill, precision, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
