James Wade ends Brody Klinge’s fairytale run to claim maiden World Series title at the Australian Darts Masters
James Wade ends Brody Klinge’s fairytale run to claim maiden World Series title at the Australian Darts Masters
James Wade denied Brody Klinge a fairytale triumph on home soil with a memorable victory at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong.
The ten-time TV title winner produced a sensational display to celebrate his maiden World Series of Darts crown at the WIN Entertainment Centre, defeating home favourite Klinge 8-5 in a high-quality final on Saturday evening.
Wade had already underlined his credentials with a staggering 112.73 average in Friday’s opening-round demolition of Tim Pusey, and the left-hander continued his outstanding form throughout Finals Day.
The former UK Open champion began Saturday’s action with a remarkable comeback against Stephen Bunting, overturning a 5-2 deficit after producing a crucial 164 checkout to keep himself alive.
Wade then followed this up with a 7-4 victory over top seed Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals, crashing in eight maximums and averaging 101 in another impressive performance.
Waiting in the final was the unheralded Klinge, who had already captured the imagination of the Wollongong crowd with his remarkable run to the showpiece.
Wade made the perfect start, registering an 11-dart break to establish an early 2-0 advantage.
Klinge responded immediately, producing a 12-dart leg before levelling the contest at two apiece.
However, Wade then took complete control of the final with a four-leg burst, including three consecutive 13-darters, to open up a commanding 6-2 lead.
Klinge refused to surrender his dream, though, producing a magnificent fightback to win three legs in succession and reduce the deficit to just 6-5.
The Australian sent the home crowd into raptures during the spell with a superb 140 checkout, but Wade remained composed under intense pressure.
The Englishman moved to within one leg of glory with a clutch 76 combination in the 12th leg, before Klinge was unable to capitalise on two opportunities moments later.
Wade duly punished the missed chances, sealing a landmark 8-5 victory to finally end his wait for another televised title.
“It’s been a while since I’ve won something,” quipped Wade, who last tasted televised success 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.”
For Wade, the triumph marks another significant milestone in an illustrious career that has already yielded ten televised titles.
The 41-year-old had gone more than four years without adding to his major trophy collection, but produced some of his finest darts of the season when it mattered most in Wollongong.
Klinge caps remarkable World Series debut
While Wade claimed the trophy, Klinge was arguably the story of the weekend.
The 34-year-old was bidding to emulate compatriots Damon Heta and the late Kyle Anderson by becoming the latest Australian to claim World Series glory on home soil.
Although he ultimately fell short, Klinge announced himself on the global stage in just his second World Series appearance.
“It’s been absolutely amazing,” revealed Klinge, who averaged 104.56 in the final.
“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’s route to the final was nothing short of extraordinary.
He began his campaign by surviving two match darts against Ross Smith, defying eight maximums from the former European Champion to prevail in a dramatic last-leg decider.
The Australian then produced another statement performance to defeat world number two Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals.
His remarkable run continued in the semi-finals, where he halted Jonny Clayton’s hopes of securing back-to-back World Series titles in the Oceanic region.
Klinge averaged almost 102 against the Welshman and produced a brilliant 170 checkout, adding another spectacular moment to an unforgettable weekend.
His performances have now given the Australian a huge platform to build upon, with his run to the final underlining his potential on the biggest stage.
Price and Clayton fall in semi-final action
Clayton, who lifted the New Zealand Darts Masters title in Auckland last weekend, was unable to make it back-to-back Oceanic titles.
The Welshman defeated Australian number one Damon Heta 6-3 in the quarter-finals, converting 60% of his attempts at double in another polished performance.
However, Klinge proved too strong in the semi-finals, ending Clayton’s bid for another World Series crown.
The evening’s other quarter-final saw Price cruise past Josh Rock 6-2.
The Welshman reeled off five consecutive legs to complete an impressive victory, averaging 101.34 and hitting five maximums.
Price’s run eventually came to an end against Wade in the semi-finals, as the former World Champion was denied the opportunity to reach consecutive World Series finals following his appearance in last weekend’s New Zealand showpiece.
With the Australian Darts Masters bringing the 2026 World Series of Darts season to a close, attention now turns towards the World Series of Darts Finals.
The prestigious 32-player tournament will take place at AFAS Live in Amsterdam from September 17-20.
Reigning six-time champion Michael van Gerwen will bid to successfully defend his title in the Dutch capital, while world number one Luke Littler will also headline the star-studded field.
James Wade ends Brody Klinge’s fairytale run to claim maiden World Series title at the Australian Darts Masters
2026 KenoGO Australian Darts Masters
Saturday August 22
Quarter-Finals
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Josh Rock
James Wade 6-5 Stephen Bunting
Brody Klinge 6-4 Gian van Veen
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Damon Heta
Semi-Finals
James Wade 7-4 Gerwyn Price
Brody Klinge 7-5 Jonny Clayton
Final
James Wade 8-5 Brody Klinge
