Leonard Gates starts his defence – 2026 CDC Cross-Border Challenge draw & schedule
Leonard Gates starts his defence – 2026 CDC Cross-Border Challenge draw & schedule
Leonard Gates will kick off his title defence at the CDC Cross-Border Challenge against Jacob Taylor, as the 2026 season begins in Newfoundland on Friday.
The two-day tournament brings together 16 leading players from the United States and Canada, all competing not only for the title but also for coveted spots at the 2026 bet365 US Darts Masters and the North American Championship. In addition, the eventual champion will secure a place at the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, set to take place at Alexandra Palace.
Defending champion Gates returns looking to replicate last year’s success and will begin his campaign against experienced Canadian Jacob Taylor. With qualification for major televised events on the line, the stakes are high from the opening round.
Elsewhere in the draw, three-time world champion John Part faces a tough test against Adam Sevada, who topped the CDC rankings last season. That matchup is expected to be one of the highlights of the opening session.
Another eye-catching tie sees former Lakeside World Championship runner-up Jeff Smith take on 2008 UK Open finalist Gary Mawson, while former World Matchplay champion Larry Butler goes up against David Cameron.
There are several other intriguing first-round clashes. Stowe Buntz, a Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist in 2023, meets Albert Anstey. Meanwhile, Canada’s top-ranked player Jim Long takes on Doug Boehm in another closely anticipated encounter.
Further down the bracket, Nick Linberg faces Kiley Edmunds, while last year’s US Darts Masters quarter-finalist Jason Brandon begins his challenge against Darryl Christie.
With qualification for some of the sport’s biggest stages up for grabs and a competitive field assembled, the opening event of the CDC season promises plenty of drama as North America’s top talent battle for early-season honours.
Leonard Gates starts his defence – 2026 CDC Cross-Border Challenge draw & schedule
2026 CDC Cross-Border Challenge
Deer Lake, Newfoundland
Friday April 17 (1900 NDT, 1730 EDT)
Jeff Smith v Gary Mawson
Jason Brandon v Darryl Christie
Larry Butler v David Cameron
John Part v Adam Sevada
Doug Boehm v Jim Long
Albert Anstey v Stowe Buntz
Jacob Taylor v Leonard Gates
Nick Linberg v Kiley Edmunds
Saturday April 18 (1900 NDT, 1730 EDT)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final
