Lorraine Hyde crowned WDF World Masters champion after thrilling deciding leg victory in final

Lorraine Hyde has achieved the biggest win of her career, holding her nerve to claim the 2025 WDF World Masters title in a gripping final against Norway’s Rachna David on Saturday night in Budapest.

The Scottish thrower edged out David 6–5 in a dramatic deciding leg to lift her first major crown, confirming her rise as one of the most consistent and dangerous players on the women’s circuit.

It was a week of high drama at the iconic Lakeside-linked event, which featured a wide-open field following the absence of two-time defending champion Beau Greaves. With big names Deta Hedman and Sophie McKinlay also reaching the semi-finals, Hyde’s route to glory was anything but straightforward.

In her semi-final, the Scot produced a ruthless 5–0 whitewash of compatriot McKinlay, barely giving her opponent a dart at a double. Her finishing was pinpoint and her scoring relentless, setting the tone for a performance that oozed confidence and composure.

On the other side of the draw, Rachna David pulled off a surprise win over Hedman. The Norwegian opened up an early 3–1 lead with a classy 96 checkout and held firm to take a 5–3 victory, booking a well-deserved spot in the final.

The title match was everything fans could have hoped for – tight, tense and packed with quality. Both players traded holds early on before David produced yet another 96 finish to grab the first break of throw. Hyde hit straight back, and after trading three more legs, the Scot raised the roof with a superb 167 checkout.

That moment of brilliance helped her move 5–3 ahead, seemingly in control, but David showed real fight to level the match once again – landing her second 96 finish of the final to force a deciding eleventh leg.

With the pressure at boiling point, Hyde stayed cool. Back-to-back tons followed by another 100 left her in range, and she sealed the biggest win of her career with a clinical 46 checkout, while David was left waiting on double 16.

For Hyde, this triumph represents a career-defining breakthrough after years of steady progress on the WDF Tour. It’s a moment that cements her place among the elite of the women’s game and signals Scotland’s growing strength in international darts.

By conquering Budapest, Hyde not only etched her name onto the WDF World Masters trophy for the first time but also threw down a clear marker heading into 2026. With form like this, few will underestimate her again.

Rachna David 5-3 Deta Hedmanµ

Lorraine Hyde 5-0 Sophie McKinlay

Lorraine Hyde 6-5 Rachna David