Brody Klinge shines in Hobart and wins fourth week of play in ANZ Premier League

Brody Klinge showed his best form to date during the fourth day of play of the ANZ Premier League 2025. The darter from Melbourne was unstoppable in Hobart, defeating Raymond Smith 5-3 in the final. With an impressive average of 104.65 and no fewer than eight 180s, Klinge delivered the performance of the season so far.

The win earned him not only the $2,000 prize money, but also a sizable jump in the standings. Klinge climbs from seventh to third place, with three weeks of play remaining before the all-decisive Finals Night.

Klinge showed from the first moment that he was in top form. In his opening match against Tim Pusey he recorded an average of 100.65 and won convincingly 5-2. In the semifinals it became more exciting, but even there he showed his mental strength by beating James Bailey in a decisive leg 5-4.

The final against the experienced Raymond Smith was then a true spectacle. Both players kept each other in balance, but Klinge managed to raise his level even further in the closing stages. With a series of high scores and perfect timing on the doubles, he took the win.

“I'm just happy I can play my own game on the stage,” Klinge said. “I'm so relieved. I know I can do it now. I just have to keep playing my own game and battling away. It's a tough field.”

With his victory in Hobart, Klinge is the fourth different winner in as many weeks of play. Previously, Jonny Tata, Raymond Smith and Ben Robb each wrote a night to their name. That variety underscores how high the level of this Australian-New Zealand competition is and how unpredictable the battle for the playoffs is.

Despite his defeat in the final, Raymond Smith remains the leader in the rankings. The experienced Australian now has thirteen points, extending his lead over the chasers to six points. He also reached his third final in four weeks, highlighting his consistent form.

Still, Smith was not completely satisfied with the result. "I averaged 98. I'm probably winning just about every tournament in the world with that, but tonight it was not good enough,” Smith reflected.

“I’ll cop that on the chin. I think I’ve got a little bit more left in the tank, but it just shows how good this Premier League is.”

Behind Smith, things are particularly exciting. Ben Robb and Brody Klinge share second place with seven points, while Jonny Tata is tied with two others on five points. Thanks to his victory on opening night, Tata tentatively retains the fourth and final playoff spot.

There were also notable moments in the quarterfinals of the fourth day of play. Simon Whitlock narrowly escaped elimination by winning three legs in a row against Tata (5-4), while James Bailey was 5-2 too strong for a struggling Joe Comito.

The ANZ Premier League continues its route next week at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. A series of interesting duels await there, including a topper between Klinge and Tata, a match that could mean a lot in the battle for the playoffs. Also on the schedule are Whitlock against Pusey, Smith against Comito, and a repeat of the third day of play final between Robb and Bailey.

If Klinge can continue his form from Hobart, the battle for a spot in the final night only looks set to get more exciting. One thing is certain: the ANZ Premier League 2025 has a new main draw.

James Bailey 5-2 Joe Comito

Brody Klinge 5-2 Tim Pusey

Raymond Smith 5-3 Ben Robb

Simon Whitlock 5-4 Jonny Tata

Brody Klinge 5-4 James Bailey

Raymond Smith 5-1 Simon Whitlock

Brody Klinge 5-3 Raymond Smith