Gary Anderson and Ryan Searle Advance to 2026 Darts Championship Semi-Finals

Gary Anderson and Ryan Searle have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Darts Championship following impressive performances in their respective quarter-finals.

Ryan Searle’s Path to the Semi-Finals

Ryan Searle achieved a remarkable feat by winning 14 consecutive sets, a record that he extended to 17 during the championship. The 38-year-old Englishman faced a challenging match against Jonny Clayton, where his finishing skills shone through. Searle took an early lead, securing the first three sets with ease.

In the fourth set, Clayton managed to secure a win, making the match more competitive. However, Searle rallied back with a stunning 111 finish in the fifth set. He continued to outperform Clayton, eventually dominating the seventh set, which confirmed his advancement to the semi-finals.

Match Statistics

• Searle’s Double Success: 17 out of 30 attempts (56.7%)
• Clayton’s Double Performance: 10 out of 40 attempts (25%)
• Notable Finishes: Searle recorded three ton-plus checkouts during the match.

Challenges Overcome

Searle’s journey has been exceptional, particularly given his battle with dominant optic atrophy, a genetic condition that affects his vision. He wears contact lenses to assist his gameplay. After his victory, Searle addressed the crowd and shared his motivation:

“I can’t see particularly well. Other people who try to play darts, if they can’t see particularly well, try not to let that hold you back. I try to be an inspiration to them.”

Gary Anderson’s Semifinal Entry

Alongside Searle, Gary Anderson also showcased his skill in the quarter-finals. His performance laid the foundation for a thrilling match in the semi-finals against his opponent. Both players are now set on a path toward potentially capturing the championship title.

As Anderson and Searle prepare for their next challenge, the anticipation for the semi-finals continues to build among darting fans worldwide.