Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen wins maiden Bahrain Darts Masters title

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The three-time World Champion produced a vintage performance on Saturday night to lift his first-ever Bahrain Darts Masters title, edging fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen 8–6 in a pulsating all-Netherlands final at Terminal 4 by Beyon, Exhibition World Bahrain.

In front of a packed and vibrant crowd—many dressed in eye-catching costumes—van Gerwen showed his trademark composure under pressure. The world number four, competing in Bahrain for only the second time, went one step better than his runner-up finish in 2024 to claim the title in style.

The final, played over 15 legs, was a rollercoaster. Van Gerwen surged into a 3–0 lead, only for van Veen to fight back. Just when the momentum seemed to shift, the veteran champion found another gear, racing ahead 6–2. Van Veen refused to fade, clawing his way back into contention, but van Gerwen held his nerve to seal victory in a dramatic finish.

Following the match, van Gerwen was presented with the tournament’s distinctive palm tree-shaped trophy by Bahrain International Circuit Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and CBX Managing Director Roy Boutagy.

Earlier in the evening, van Gerwen booked his place in the final with a commanding 7–2 semi-final win over former world champion Gerwyn Price. Van Veen reached the final by overcoming Nathan Aspinall 7–4 in the other semi-final.

The road to the final featured several surprises, including early exits for reigning world champion Luke Littler and defending Bahrain winner Stephen Bunting, underlining the depth and intensity of this year’s competition.

Now in its fourth edition, the 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters opened the PDC World Series of Darts season in style. With van Gerwen’s name added to the winners’ list, the Kingdom once again proved itself a growing and electrifying stage for world-class darts.