2025 WDF Lakeside World Championship Announced
Shane McGuirk, the reigning champion, will commence his defense of the title at the 2025 WDF Lakeside World Championship against Finland’s Petri Rasmus. The draw for this year’s tournaments has unveiled a competitive lineup, featuring 24 debutants in the Open category.
Key Matches and Participants
Among the notable competitors, top seed and recent World Masters champion Jimmy van Schie will start his journey against either Alex Williams from Wales or Croatia’s Romeo Grbavac. Neil Duff, the 2022 champion, is set to face either New Zealand’s Ben Robb or Sweden’s Johan Engstrom in the Last 32 round.
- Shane McGuirk (IRE) vs. Petri Rasmus (FIN)
- Neil Duff (NI) vs. Ben Robb (NZL) or Johan Engstrom (SWE)
- Mitchell Lawrie (SCO) vs. Tomoya Maruyama (JPN)
Youth Tournament Highlights
In the Youth tournament, Mitchell Lawrie stands as the top seed and will face Hungary’s Adam Sepsi in his opening match. This showcases the rising talent in the sport.
Women’s Competition Overview
The Women’s championship features Lerena Rietbergen as the top seed, beginning her quest for a first Lakeside title against either Aletta Wajer or American newcomer Aaja Jalbert. Defending champion, Lorraine Hyde, will meet either Paula Murphy or Emine Dursun in the Last 16, while last year’s finalist, Sophie McKinlay, prepares to compete against either Paige Pauling or Lisa Zollikofer.
- Lerena Rietbergen (NED) vs. Aletta Wajer (NED) or Aaja Jalbert (USA)
- Lorraine Hyde (SCO) vs. Paula Murphy (USA) or Emine Dursun (TUR)
- Sophie McKinlay (SCO) vs. Paige Pauling (ENG) or Lisa Zollikofer (GER)
Notable Returns and Matches
Two-time champion Mikuru Suzuki will return to Lakeside to face Kirsi Viinikainen in a highly anticipated matchup. The winner of this match will then compete against second seed Deta Hedman.
Girls’ Championship and Ticket Information
In the Girls’ event, Paige Pauling is set to defend her title against Turkiye’s Zehra Gemi. Tickets for the 2025 WDF Lakeside World Championships are currently available online through Eventbrite.
Full Draws and Matchup Details
| First Round Matches |
|---|
| Alex Williams (WAL) vs. Romeo Grbavac (CRO) |
| Shane McGuirk (IRE) vs. Petri Rasmus (FIN) |
| Mitchell Lawrie (SCO) vs. Tomoya Maruyama (JPN) |
| Lerena Rietbergen (NED) vs. Aletta Wajer (NED) or Aaja Jalbert (USA) |
The 2025 WDF Lakeside World Championship promises to be an exciting event, with a mix of seasoned competitors and new talents emerging in the arena.
