The new-look ADC Global Championship began on 1 November with 128 players who had earned their places through the Amateur Darts Circuit season.
No wildcards, no invites. Just earned opportunities.
Defending champion Jack Tweddell was the highest-profile early casualty, falling 5-1 to Alex Williams of Wales on the opening day.
Canadian veteran Jeff Smith was whitewashed 5-0 by Michael Wiles, while several strong continental players progressed.
The Last 128 was contested over four days (1–4 November) in afternoon and evening sessions, all best-of-nine legs.
Drama was constant: several matches went the distance, and high averages mixed with nervy finishes. Belgian Maxim Lemahieu set an early tone by beating Wesley van Trijp 5-2.
Dutch and Belgian representation and success was heavy throughout, reflecting the strength of the Benelux ADC scene.
The opening round sae players such as Sam Spivey (5-2 over Lorenzo te Hennepe), Neil Duff and Archie Self also advanced comfortably in places, while others such as as Marcel Otter needed last-leg heroics.
By the close of Wednesday night the field had been halved. Sixty-four players remained, each guaranteed at least £750 and a place in the Last 64 on 5–6 November.
The cut-throat nature of the new format was already clear: one bad session ended a year’s work.
Standout performances included whitewashes and high-90 averages, but the overall story was depth and competitiveness across the 128.
Selected Last 128 Results:
Maxim Lemahieu 5-2 Wesley van Trijp
Heine Uuldriks 5-1 Natalie Gilbert
Mat Caste 5-4 Stephen Russell
Bradley van der Velden 5-4 Michael Powell
Marcel Otter 5-4 Gary Hayes
Marc Wilkinson 5-3 Ultan McDyer
Patrik Williams 5-4 Meinte Hibma
Sam Spivey 5-2 Lorenzo te Hennepe
Romeo Grbavac 5-2 Scott Winder
David Davies 5-1 Deta Hedman
Francesco Basili 5-4 Karl Coleman
Alex Williams 5-1 Jack Tweddell
Neil Duff 5-3 Shaun Vernall
Michael Wiles 5-0 Jeff Smith
Brian Raman 5-0 Arne Spee
Carl Wilson 5-0 Marvin van Eenennaam
(Full results available via official ADC channels.)
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Images: ADC/ Tip Top Pics