
Nicky Goodbrand, Robert Sutherland Jr. and John Murdoch made history Sunday with resounding victories on the iconic Winter Gardens stage during the finals of the WDDA World Matchplay 2025 in Blackpool.
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The diversity and inclusiveness of darts as a global sport was once again spotlighted as the World Disability Darts Association (WDDA) hosted its prestigious final match for the fourth year in a row at the Empress Ballroom - the heart of World Matchplay Week.
Goodbrand made a dream debut on the big stage by winning 2-1 over Kelly Devlin in the women's final. In a blistering deciding leg, she completed a fine comeback with a brilliant 85 finish - a moment that got the crowd off their couches.
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Then teenager Robert Sutherland Jr. defended his title with verve in the WDDA World Matchplay Classic. In a repeat of last year's final, he was even more dominant this time: with a convincing 2-0 victory over Tony Rimmer, he proved his growing status as a future figurehead of para-darts.
Finally, John Murdoch claimed his moment on the big stage. In a controlled and calm match, he defeated Sammy McNicoll, not allowing his opponent a chance for a double. With that performance, Murdoch crowned his strong tournament performance with the title in style.
The WDDA finals in Blackpool once again made a powerful statement for inclusion in sport, proving once again that talent, fighting spirit and class know no bounds.
Sunday July 20, 2025
WDDA World Matchplay Women's Final
Nicky Goodbrand 2-1 Kelly Devlin
WDDA World Matchplay Classic Final
Robert Sutherland Jnr 2-0 Tony Rimmer
WDDA World Matchplay Compris Final
John Murdoch 2-0 Sammy McNicoll
Nicky Goodbrand, Robert Sutherland Jr and John Murdoch celebrated victories on the Winter Gardens stage in the 2025 WDDA World Matchplay finals in Blackpool on Sunday.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 21, 2025
📝 https://t.co/edrst4GW9U pic.twitter.com/yM7LlPv1ov
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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