Gordon Mathers Secures a Return to the PDC World Series of Darts Stage

Gordon “GG” Mathers will return to the PDC World Series of Darts stage in Auckland, New Zealand after pulling off a remarkable comeback on Friday night at the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club.

Entering the final Auckland Qualifier, Mathers faced a steep climb — four points adrift of three players ahead of him on the leaderboard. Among them was Brody Klinge, whose campaign ended early with a loss to Bill Aitken in the round of 32. Aitken, a veteran of the circuit, produced a superb 103.53 average in that match, throwing himself into contention — just four points behind Mathers. When he followed up with a win over Clayton Collins, the pressure intensified.

Brandon Weening, another frontrunner, reached the quarter-finals before falling to Joe Comito — a player level with him on points heading into the event. Meanwhile, Mathers eliminated Aitken to book a spot in the semi-finals, quashing the veteran’s late surge.

The other semi-finalists — Tim Pusey and Stuart Coburn — were now unable to take top spot as both had been seeking to defend past appearances on the World Series of Darts stage. Pusey had previously played in the last WSD event held in Auckland (2018), while Coburn represented at Wollongong last year.

In the semis, Mathers was clinical, sweeping past Pusey 5–0. On the other board, Comito looked poised to set up a winner-takes-all final with Mathers after edging ahead 2–1 against Coburn. But Coburn rattled off three straight legs, and despite a fightback in the seventh, Comito couldn’t stop Coburn from sealing a 5–3 win. With that result, Mathers and Comito were locked on points for the final World Series berth.

The Final between Mathers and Coburn was a tense and fluctuating affair. Coburn broke early for a 2–1 lead, only for Mathers to strike straight back. Two more breaks left the scoreline finely poised at 3–3. Mathers then held throw with a brilliant 112 checkout, as Coburn watched from behind needing 100 to break. Both players held throw once more, setting up a decisive tenth leg.

In the deciding leg, Mathers left 12 after narrowly missing a 152 finish. Coburn then had a shot at the bull to steal it but missed, leaving 25. Mathers stepped up and sealed it with his 16th dart. He thus earned the four crucial points that clinched his place at this year’s New Zealand Darts Masters.

An elated Mathers reflected:

“It is always great to make the big stage again. I can use all my experience to make the most of this opportunity.”

Mathers is no stranger to the spotlight — a former PDC Tour Card holder and World Series of Darts semi-finalist, he’ll arrive in Auckland with both experience and momentum firmly on his side.