Luke Littler returns to defend title at Bahrain Darts Masters

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain

The Bahrain Darts Masters is back, and all eyes are on young Englishman Luke Littler as he prepares to defend his first PDC title. This event, part of the World Series of Darts, will unfold at the iconic Bahrain International Circuit on January 16-17, 2025, setting the stage for an exciting start to the darts calendar.

The Bahrain Darts Masters, now in its third edition, serves as the opening tournament of the 2025 World Series of Darts. Sixteen participants, including eight PDC stars and eight regional qualifiers, will compete for a £20,000 winner’s prize. The invitational format ensures every match is packed with talent and unpredictability.

The tournament follows a knockout structure:

First two rounds: Best of 11 legs Semi-finals: Best of 13 legs

Final: Best of 15 legs

The opening round features PDC representatives facing Asian players, promising a dynamic clash of styles and skills.

The Line-Up

The field is led by Luke Littler, fresh off his 2024 World Series of Darts Finals victory. He will be joined by an impressive roster of PDC players, including Luke Humphries, Peter Wright, and Gerwyn Price, as well as standout Asian players like Lourence Ilagan and Bahrain qualifiers Basem Mahmood and Abdulla Saeed.

The Bahrain Darts Masters debuted in 2023, with Michael Smith claiming the inaugural title. In 2024, Littler made history by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in a memorable final, securing his first PDC Tour title.

Schedule and Prize Money

The action kicks off on January 16 with first-round matches, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on January 17. While all players will earn prize money, the prestige of this invitational event is unmatched.

Winner: £20,000

Runner-up: £10,000

Semi-finalists: £5,000 each

Quarter-finalists: £2,500 each

First-round losers: £1,250 each

Held at the Bahrain International Circuit in as-Sakhir, the tournament adds a unique flair to the motorsport venue. It’s the only non-racing event hosted there, providing a stunning backdrop for world-class darts. Who’s the Favourite? After his commanding performances last year, Luke Littler is the clear favourite. His biggest challenger is World number one Luke Humphries, who enters the tournament hungry for redemption after a strong showing at the World Championship.