The Bahrain Darts Masters, a prestigious tournament in the World Series of Darts, returns to the Dome at the Bahrain International Circuit for its third edition on January 16-17. This two-day spectacle boasts a total prize pool of £60,000, with the winner taking home £20,000, the runner-up receiving £10,000, semi-finalists earning £5,000, quarter-finalists pocketing £2,500, and first-round participants securing £1,250. The tournament features a compelling mix of established PDC stars and emerging Asian talent, promising a thrilling display of darting prowess.
Reigning champion Luke Littler, fresh off his historic World Championship victory, headlines the event. Littler’s remarkable ascent in the world of darts began at the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters, where he achieved the extraordinary feat of hitting a nine-darter en route to winning the unique date palm trophy on his World Series debut. This triumph marked the beginning of a meteoric rise that saw him conquer the Premier League, World Series Finals, and Grand Slam of Darts before culminating in his world championship title. Littler will commence his title defense against PDC Asian Champion Lourence Ilagan, a challenging first match in his new role as world champion.
The tournament format pits eight PDC heavyweights against eight Asian representatives in the first round. This diverse field includes two local qualifiers from Bahrain and six players who competed in the recent World Darts Championship via the Asian Tour. This blend of experience and emerging talent sets the stage for captivating matches and potential upsets. The first round, played on Thursday, January 16, will see each match contested as a best-of-11 legs format.
The lineup for the first round features some highly anticipated matchups. World No. 1 Luke Humphries, returning to action after his last-16 exit at the World Championship, faces Abdulla Saeed. Littler’s opening match against Ilagan promises fireworks. Other notable clashes include Rob Cross versus Paolo Nebrida, Gerwyn Price against Lok Yin Lee, Stephen Bunting versus Nitin Kumar, Chris Dobey against Basem Mahmood, Peter Wright versus Alexis Toylo, and Nathan Aspinall against Xiao Chen Zong. The inclusion of recent Premier League Darts recruits Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey, both coming off impressive semi-final runs at the World Championship, adds further intrigue to the competition.
The Bahrain Darts Masters marks the first major darts event following the conclusion of the World Darts Championship, adding significance to the tournament. The quick turnaround provides an immediate opportunity for players to showcase their form and continue building momentum for the season ahead. For Littler, it’s a chance to solidify his status as the new force in darts, while for others, it’s an opportunity to make a statement early in the year.
The tournament, taking place less than two weeks after the World Championship, provides a platform for players to carry their momentum forward or to rebound from previous disappointments. The presence of world-class talent and emerging stars assures a high level of competition and thrilling entertainment for darts enthusiasts worldwide. The Bahrain Darts Masters serves as an exciting early test for the world’s best, shaping the narrative for the upcoming darts season.
