Price Begins Title Defence as World Series Action Returns to Australia
Price Begins Title Defence as World Series Action Returns to Australia
The 2025 KenoGO Australian Darts Masters kicks off this Friday in Wollongong, with reigning champion Gerwyn Price aiming to retain his crown and build on an already impressive World Series campaign.
The prestigious event marks the first leg of the PDC’s World Series of Darts Oceanic double-header and takes place at the WIN Entertainment Centre on August 8–9. A 16-player field—featuring eight PDC elite names and eight top talents from the Oceanic region—will battle it out over two days for one of the tour’s major international titles.
Price returns to the scene of last year’s emphatic triumph, where he dismantled teenage sensation Luke Littler 8-1 in a one-sided final. The Welshman also heads Down Under in strong form, having recently claimed the Poland Darts Masters title and reached the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Price acknowledged the strength of the competition this time around: “There are a lot of players in really good form right now,” said the 2021 World Champion. “You’ve got the two Lukes [Littler and Humphries], Josh Rock, Damon Heta has been solid all year—and I feel I’m playing well too.”
Despite the tough field, the Iceman is upbeat: “The most important thing is I’m enjoying my darts again. My mindset is positive, I’m embracing the travel, and I’m in a good place heading into this weekend.”
Price will face DartPlayers Australia number one Joe Comito in his opening match, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Littler Eyes Redemption After 2024 Final Loss
World Champion Luke Littler is also in action on Friday as he looks to go one better than last year’s runner-up finish. The 18-year-old phenom arrives in Australia fresh off his historic World Matchplay win in Blackpool, where he became the youngest player ever to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy.
The reigning World Series Finals champion, who already boasts wins in Bahrain and Poland this season, is eager to get back on track after a mixed World Series campaign.
“I feel good,” Littler said. “When you come close, like I did last year, you always want to come back and win it. It’s been a bit up and down on the World Series for me, but this weekend is a great chance to finish strong.”
The teenager will face New Zealand’s top-ranked player, Haupai Puha, in his opening tie.
Rock Ready to Impress in World Series Debut
One of the standout ties on opening night will see Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock take on Australian legend Simon Whitlock. Rock, who makes his World Series debut, is arguably one of the hottest players on the circuit right now after leading Northern Ireland to World Cup glory and reaching the World Matchplay semi-finals.
“I’m really excited to get started,” said the 24-year-old. “Sydney’s an incredible city and I’m loving the experience already, but now it’s time to focus on the darts. I feel like I’m playing the most consistent darts of my career so far—but I still think there’s more to come.”
If victorious, Rock could face Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals. Bunting, seeded number one, takes on Brody Klinge in another intriguing first-round clash. The former Lakeside Champion has had a standout World Series year, with victories in Bahrain and Copenhagen and finals appearances in the Netherlands and Poland.
Humphries, Heta, De Decker Among Star Names in Action
World number one Luke Humphries will look to extend his World Series success in 2025 when he takes on New Zealand’s Jonny Tata. Humphries lifted his first World Series title in New Zealand last year and added the US Darts Masters title earlier this summer.
Home favourite Damon Heta also headlines the field, taking on fellow Australian James Bailey in an all-local showdown.
Belgian star Mike De Decker, fresh from his breakthrough World Grand Prix title, begins his World Series campaign against Brandon Weening, while former Masters winner Chris Dobey faces Tim Pusey in another eye-catching opener.
What’s Next
Friday’s first-round action begins at 7pm local time (10am BST), with all eight matches taking place on the opening night. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will follow on Saturday, when the 2025 Australian Darts Masters champion will be crowned.
With so many players in red-hot form and plenty of local hopes looking to make their mark, it promises to be a thrilling start to this year’s Oceanic swing.
Price Begins Title Defence as World Series Action Returns to Australia
2025 KenoGO Australian Darts Masters
August 8-9, WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
Draw Bracket
(1) Stephen Bunting v Brody Klinge
Josh Rock v Simon Whitlock
(4) Luke Littler v Haupai Puha
Damon Heta v James Bailey
(2) Gerwyn Price v Joe Comito
Chris Dobey v Tim Pusey
(3) Luke Humphries v Jonny Tata
Mike De Decker v Brandon Weening
Schedule of Play
Friday August 8 (1900 AEST)
Round One
Mike De Decker v Brandon Weening
Gerwyn Price v Joe Comito
Stephen Bunting v Brody Klinge
Luke Humphries v Jonny Tata
Damon Heta v James Bailey
Luke Littler v Haupai Puha
Josh Rock v Simon Whitlock
Chris Dobey v Tim Pusey
Best of 11 legs
Saturday August 9 (1900 AEST)
Quarter-Finals
Best of 11 legs
Semi-Finals
Best of 13 legs
Final
Best of 15 legs
All Saturday matches to be played in draw bracket order.
Format
First Round – Best of 11 legs
Quarter-Finals – Best of 11 legs
Semi-Finals – Best of 13 legs
Final – Best of 15 legs
