James Wade ends World Series title wait at the Australian Darts Masters
James Wade ended his long wait for a maiden World Series tour title with victory at the 2026 Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong on Saturday.
Wade produced a virtuoso performance to celebrate his maiden World Series title at the WIN Entertainment Centre, defeating home favourite Brody Klinge 8-5 in a high-quality final.
The ten-time major winner averaged a staggering 112.7 in his first round demolition of Tim Pusey on Friday, and the left-hander continued his terrific form 24 hours later to scoop the title.
Wade pulled off an astonishing fightback against Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals, converting a skin-saving 164 checkout en route to overturning a 5-2 deficit.
This was followed by a 7-4 victory over top seed Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals, as the 43-year-old fired in eight 180s and averaged 101 in another vintage display.
The unheralded Klinge awaited Wade in the final, and the Englishman started superbly, registering an 11-dart break to establish an early 2-0 cushion.
Klinge hit back with a 12-dart riposte on his way to levelling the contest at two apiece, but Wade regained control with a four-leg burst – featuring a hat-trick of 13-darters – to open up a commanding 6-2 lead.
Klinge refused to relent, responding with three straight legs of his own to reduce the deficit to 6-5, landing a roof-raising 140 checkout during this spell.
However, Wade moved to the cusp of victory with a clutch 76 combination in leg 12, before capitalising on two missed opportunities from the Melbourne man moments later to break new ground in his illustrious career.
“It’s been a while since I’ve won something,” joked Wade, who last tasted success in a televised event at the 2021 UK Open.
“My children always say to me: ‘Daddy can you get a trophy’? I have to keep buying them!
“It’s fantastic. I really enjoyed myself this weekend. I’m absolutely made up, and to win the title in Australia is even better.
“I’d like to say a massive well done to Brody.
“I had to graft and work really hard, and I’ll be really disappointed if he doesn’t pursue what he’s doing.”
Klinge was bidding to follow in the footsteps of his compatriots Damon Heta and the late Kyle Anderson by tasting World Series glory on home soil, although the 34-year-old came of age in just his second World Series appearance.
“It’s been absolutely amazing,” said Klinge, who averaged 104.5 in defeat.
“The crowd have been behind me the whole time and I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience. I cannot believe I got here.
“Every opportunity that comes my way I’ll try and take it. I’m going to keep playing and see what happens.”
Klinge enjoyed a fairy-tale run to Saturday’s showpiece, overcoming Ross Smith, Gian van Veen and Jonny Clayton to underline his big stage credentials.
The home favourite survived two match darts in his opening round tie against Smith, defying eight 180s from the former European Champion to triumph in a last-leg thriller.
The Australian then dumped out world number two Van Veen in a compelling quarter-final tie, before halting Clayton’s bid for back-to-back Oceanic titles in a remarkable semi-final.
Klinge averaged almost 102 to edge past Clayton, following up a clinical ton-plus combination with a magnificent 170 checkout to continue his ground-breaking run in Wollongong.
Earlier in the evening, Clayton ran out a 6-3 winner against Australian number one Heta, pinning 60 per cent of his attempts at doubles to cap off a clinical display.
The evening’s other quarter-final saw Price race to a 6-2 victory against Josh Rock, after reeling off five consecutive legs to triumph with a 101.3 average and five maximums.
Australian Darts Masters 2026 Day Two Results
Saturday August 22
Quarter-Finals
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Josh Rock
James Wade 6-5 Stephen Bunting
Gian van Veen 4-6 Brody Klinge
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Damon Heta
Semi-Finals
Gerwyn Price 4-7 James Wade
Brody Klinge 7-5 Jonny Clayton
Final
James Wade 8-5 Brody Klinge
