Stuart Coburn shines with double at DPA ProTour in Australia

Stuart Coburn stole the spotlight last weekend at the Dartplayers Australia (DPA) ProTour in Bunbury, capturing both Event 7 and Event 8 titles in emphatic fashion. The in-form Queenslander produced a stunning display of darts in Western Australia, while veteran James Bailey wrapped up the weekend with victory in Event 9.

The picturesque city of Bunbury hosted Events 7 through 9 of the 2025 DPA season from April 4 to 6, and it was Coburn who made the biggest impact. After a title drought stretching back to June 2024, the 32-year-old broke through in Event 7, edging past Joe Comito in a tense last-leg decider. Surviving multiple match darts, Coburn held his nerve to clinch the win, having earlier posted a 93 average in his semifinal victory over experienced campaigner David Platt. He also dispatched Corey Collins, Brenton Lloyd, and Koha Kokiri en route to the final.

Coburn repeated the feat in Event 8, once again defeating Comito—this time mounting a dramatic comeback from 5-3 down. A series of gritty, high-pressure legs saw him overcome both Platt and Kevin Thomas in nail-biting encounters, while Lee Chapman and Stephen Ireland were brushed aside in earlier rounds.

In Event 9, it was the turn of 55-year-old stalwart James Bailey to shine. The seasoned pro capitalized on his opportunity, downing Comito in a deciding set to claim his first title of the 2025 season. Bailey opened his campaign with a straight-sets win over Gary Stevens and followed up with victories over Sam Ballinger, Jordan Mathers, and Bill Aitken.

Despite falling short in all three finals, Joe Comito’s consistent excellence was duly rewarded. The New South Welshman claimed the prestigious Kyle Anderson Trophy for the best performer of the weekend and extended his lead atop the DPA Order of Merit, now holding a 32-point advantage over Bailey.

Friday also saw the second DPA qualifying event for the NZ Darts Masters, where former PDC Tour Card holder Gordon Mathers proved too strong. Mathers defeated Mal Cuming, Bailey Marsh, and ultimately Stephen Ireland 6-2 in the final, bolstering his bid for a spot in the World Series of Darts. The win narrows the gap to Brandon Weening in the qualifying race.

The DPA ProTour resumes in June with Events 10 through 12 scheduled to take place in Albury, where the third NZ Darts Masters qualifier will also be contested.

Joe Comito 6-0 Dave Burke

Brandon Weening 6-4 Gordon Mathers

David Platt 6-4 Tim Pusey

Stuart Coburn 6-4 Koha Kokiri

Joe Comito 6-3 Brandon Weening

Stuart Coburn 6-3 David Platt

Stuart Coburn 6-5 Joe Comito

Joe Comito 6-4 Bobby McKeig

Brandon Weening 6-4 Ronald Nakata

Kevin Thomas 6-4 Jeremy Fagg

Stuart Coburn 6-3 Stephen Ireland

Joe Comito 6-5 Brandon Weening

Stuart Coburn 6-5 Kevin Thomas

Stuart Coburn 6-5 Joe Comito

Joe Comito 2-1 Jeremy Fagg

Ronald Nakata 2-0 Brandon Weening

Bill Aitken 2-0 Tim Pusey

James Bailey 2-1 Jordan Mathers

Joe Comito 3-0 Ronald Nakata

James Bailey 3-1 Bill Aitken

James Bailey 3-2 Joe Comito