PREVIEW UK Open 2026 Saturday Afternoon: Humphries–Chisnall clash headlines as Littler, Price and Van Gerwen chase Minehead glory
PDC
The last 32 takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon at the 2026 UK Open in Minehead, as the race for the title begins to intensify. Reigning world champion Luke Littler headlines the remaining field alongside major contenders Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price.
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Littler faces dangerous Doets test
One of the most intriguing ties sees Littler take on Dutch talent Kevin Doets.
Littler arrives in Minehead in superb form after claiming the weekly title in the Premier League just 24 hours earlier in Cardiff. He followed that up with a comfortable 10-3 victory over Damon Heta in the fourth round.
Doets, however, should not be underestimated. The Dutchman impressed with a 10-5 win over Jeffrey de Graaf in the last 64, and has shown repeatedly that he can produce strong performances on the big stage.
With Littler’s relentless scoring power up against Doets’ steady all-round game, this clash could prove far tighter than the names might initially suggest.
Humphries meets Chisnall in blockbuster clash
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Arguably the standout tie of the round sees Humphries face Dave Chisnall.
Humphries produced one of the performances of the fourth round, averaging over 105 in a dominant 10-3 victory against Luke Woodhouse.
Chisnall, meanwhile, secured a much-needed televised victory by defeating Scott Campbell 10-5.
Both players are capable of heavy scoring bursts and quick legs, which should make this one of the fastest and highest-scoring matches of the afternoon session.
Price vs Nijman promises fireworks
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Another eye-catching tie sees Gerwyn Price take on Wessel Nijman.
Price moved comfortably through the previous round with a 10-3 victory over Greg Ritchie and will be aiming to continue building momentum in Minehead.
Nijman arrives full of confidence after a dominant 10-1 win against Raymond van Barneveld while averaging over 102.
The clash pits Price’s relentless scoring and intensity against one of the most explosive young talents currently on the tour.
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Van Gerwen handed favourable draw
Three-time UK Open champion Van Gerwen faces German outsider Kai Gotthardt.
Van Gerwen eventually overcame Nathan Aspinall 10-8 in the final match of Friday’s session and averaged just under 102 in the process.
Gotthardt impressed earlier in the event by defeating Tom Sykes 10-8, but the German will need to produce one of the performances of his career to trouble the Dutchman.
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Ross Smith vs Daryl Gurney
Ross Smith meets Daryl Gurney in what could be a fascinating contest between two players capable of heavy scoring bursts.
Smith produced a solid display to dispatch Andrew Gilding 10-4 in the previous round and continues to show flashes of the scoring power that took him to the European Championship title.
Gurney, meanwhile, overcame Niels Zonneveld 10-7 and will look to use his experience in longer-format matches to disrupt Smith’s rhythm.
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Mensur Suljovic vs Stephen Bunting
Former UK Open finalist Mensur Suljovic rolled back the years in the fourth round, reeling off five consecutive legs to defeat Jermaine Wattimena 10-5.
Awaiting him is Stephen Bunting, who comfortably dispatched Thibault Tricole to continue his strong run of form in 2026.
Bunting’s heavy scoring will likely make him favourite, but Suljovic’s measured pace and clinical finishing could make this a tricky encounter.
Suljovic faces Stephen Bunting for a place in the last 16
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Gary Anderson vs Martin Schindler
Two-time world champion Gary Anderson arrives in the last 32 in ominous form after averaging more than 107 in his victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Standing in his way is Martin Schindler, who produced a composed display to eliminate Joe Cullen 10-8.
If Anderson maintains the level he showed in the previous round, he will take some stopping, though Schindler has quietly become one of the most consistent performers on tour.
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Josh Rock vs Dominik Gruellich
After a difficult start to the Premier League campaign, Josh Rock found some momentum again by edging out William O'Connor in a deciding-leg thriller.
His opponent, Dominik Gruellich, impressed with a 10-8 win over Niall Culleton.
Rock’s scoring power makes him the favourite, but the German has already shown he can handle pressure moments in Minehead.
Darryl Pilgrim vs Jonny Clayton
One of the more intriguing ties sees rising English player Darryl Pilgrim face Premier League leader Jonny Clayton.
Pilgrim has already enjoyed an excellent run in the tournament, following up an earlier win over Beau Greaves by defeating Connor Scutt.
Clayton, however, was ruthless in his previous match, sweeping past Alexander Merkx 10-2 and will start as a strong favourite to progress.
Peter Wright vs Danny Noppert
This clash between two major champions could be one of the most entertaining matches of the round.
Peter Wright secured a confidence-boosting victory over Cameron Menzies to reach the last 32.
Standing opposite him will be Noppert, who produced one of the moments of the fourth round with a nine-darter during his win over Dimitri Van den Bergh.
Danny Noppert hit a nine-darter against Dimitri van den Bergh at the 2026 UK Open
Ryan Joyce vs Keane Barry
Ryan Joyce moved into the last 32 after ending the impressive run of young prospect Charlie Manby.
He now faces Keane Barry, who produced one of the most dominant displays of the previous round with a 10-2 victory over Henry Coates.
Martin Lukeman vs Madars Razma
Martin Lukeman booked his place in the last 32 with a convincing 10-6 victory over Ritchie Edhouse.
He now meets Madars Razma, who survived a dramatic deciding-leg contest to defeat Jim Long.
Gabriel Clemens vs James Wade
Experience will be the theme of this encounter between Gabriel Clemens and James Wade.
Clemens edged past Richard Veenstra in a deciding-leg thriller, while Wade once again demonstrated his trademark composure by defeating Chris Dobey despite Dobey averaging more than 102.
Given Wade’s reputation in longer-format matches, the Englishman may hold a slight edge.
James Wade has won the UK Open in three different decades
Ryan Searle vs Michael Smith
Two of the heaviest scorers on the tour collide as Ryan Searle meets former world champion Michael Smith.
Searle progressed after defeating Andy Boulton 10-7, while Smith came through a close contest with Leon Weber.
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Oskar Lukasiak vs Krzysztof Ratajski
Swedish qualifier Oskar Lukasiak continued his impressive run by defeating Benjamin Pratnemer.
He now faces experienced Polish star Krzysztof Ratajski, who produced a strong display to defeat Ricky Evans.
Ratajski’s consistency and finishing ability will make him favourite, though Lukasiak has already shown he can compete at this level.
Mike De Decker vs Rob Cross
Another intriguing encounter sees former world champion Cross take on Belgian major winner De Decker.
Cross delivered a high-quality performance to defeat Gian van Veen, with both players averaging above 100 in a strong main stage display.
De Decker also impressed in overcoming Adam Lipscombe 10-8, setting up what could be a very competitive encounter between two proven stage performers.
Draw & schedule UK Open 2026
Main Stage
| Gary Anderson | vs | Martin Schindler |
| Wessel Nijman | vs | Gerwyn Price |
| Kevin Doets | vs | Luke Littler |
| Luke Humphries | vs | Dave Chisnall |
Stage Two
| Darryl Pilgrim | vs | Jonny Clayton |
| Peter Wright | vs | Danny Noppert |
| Mike De Decker | vs | Rob Cross |
| Kai Gotthardt | vs | Michael van Gerwen |
Stage Three
| Ross Smith | vs | Daryl Gurney |
| Mensur Suljovic | vs | Stephen Bunting |
| Josh Rock | vs | Dominik Gruellich |
| Ryan Joyce | vs | Keane Barry |
Stage Four
| Martin Lukeman | vs | Madars Razma |
| Gabriel Clemens | vs | James Wade |
| Oskar Lukasiak | vs | Krzysztof Ratajski |
| Ryan Searle | vs | Michael Smith |
Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
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- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
- She is a professional. If darts is her income, she is a professional. Same as Adrian Lewis, Martin Adams. A tour card just means someone can play on the PDC tour. You could even make a case that Clayton wasn't a professional (until recently I believe) because he had employment elsewhere.BandB04-11-2026
- She's technically not a professional though as she doesn't hold a pro tour card.mr-pablo04-11-2026
- Such a shame that lakeside has been reduced to this. Fantastic venue,and previously a great tournament. Not any morerick6703-11-2026
- Seems to me that the top 16 players pick and choose whatever they want to play. Good,all the money will get spread out more. They get more money from exhibitions than tournaments so let them all withdrawrick6703-11-2026
- Play all legs and the winners split the pot. Luke gets the lot of he wins them all. If your occupation is darts player you can't enter, regardless of ability.BandB01-11-2026
- I'm quite a jaded person all things considered, but to be honest I found Beat Luke Littler to be pretty entertaining. It certainly wasn't seamless, which is to be expected given the lack of precedence, but I actually think the pacing was pretty good, the production was impressive, and there was a good sense of humour and levity to it. I think it was a very ambitious undertaking but one that, for the most part, paid off. I liked the system with the four pots and I think it added to the drama and intrigue. I enjoyed seeing the diverse range of entrants and learning about their backstories. I think the interactivity was pretty clever and well-integrated. The panel was a little incoherent at times; Lee Mack shone however, and his improvisational skills were appreciated during some more awkward interstitial moments. As far as the darts is concerned, it was a shame that the format didn't allow Littler to get into full flow. You obviously don't want him to steamroll everyone but you want to feel like you're getting the full Littler package rather than seeing him struggling to get out of first gear. I will say that his leg against Jayden Walker was very impressive, but it was mostly downhill from there. The attraction revolves around Littler being this untouchable, indomitable force, yet the format doesn't really allow him to fulfil that characterisation. As for Fallon Sherrock, she was mightily impressive and deserved the victory. It is a testament to her unshakeable character that she was able to bang in a 14-darter under such mind-bending pressure. Everything that has been said about the misleading marketing is valid, though they were clear about their eligibility criteria and were able to offload the responsibility somewhat by bringing the viewers into the decision-making process in real time. What is clear though, is that Fallon played the game according to the rules, and she should not be criticised for that, much less abused. I will admit though that it is a kick in the teeth for those true amateurs who committed time and money to the course, and I would also question those who think pub players would have no chance, given that some of Littler's winning legs were dispatched in 7 visits to the board! The great thing about darts is that it isn't so much that amateurs cannot replicate the feats of brilliance pulled off by professionals of the sport, than it is that they simply cannot replicate the consistency of their output, something that this format almost entirely removes from the equation. It should also be noted that, financially, Fallon certainly stands to benefit much less in relative terms from the paycheque than would your average pub thrower, as I'm sure she nets a fair income from the lucrative exhibition circuit alone. What I do hope is that she might use this as an opportunity to really build up a head of steam heading into the new season, as it seems long overdue that she come through Q-School and really take it to the pros on a week-in week-out basis, but whatever she chooses to do, she has certainly achieved enough already for one if not several lifetimes, so who am I to dictate terms? To conclude though, I will state once again that I found Beat Luke Littler to be a pretty enjoyable evening of entertainment. I do feel for the contestants who never actually had the chance to try their luck against the world #1, although I suppose it comes with the format, but all which inevitably raises the question: will Netflix be tempted to do it all again next year? It's hard to say. Whether it would be financially viable, I can't weigh in there. One point I have been making though, and which I touched on earlier, is that the entire concept relies on a public perception that Littler is more or less unbeatable, and that certainly hasn't been the case of late. If the execs had been trying to pitch the show in recent months while Littler has seemed vulnerable, rather than when he was mopping up almost every major title on the calendar, it would certainly be a tougher sell. We will have to see in about 6 months' time whether Littler can still reliably command perception as a near-unstoppable force in darts, and then we'll have a clearer idea about whether we should expect a second helping. Even as a one-off experiment though, and with all the controversy taken into account, I still don't think they disgraced themselves by any means, and that will probably be my lingering assessment of the event when all is said and done.Deduce635801-11-2026
- Fair play to Fallon. But...shows the mockery when a professional players wins what was meant to be an amateur v Pro event, Littlers performance was poor, and what about the players who didn't get a game? Would have been better if the pot was split amoungst all the winners and they all got a leg.BandB31-10-2026
