The UK Open returns to Minehead this weekend, and on the latest episode of The DartsNews Podcast, co-hosts Kieran Wood and Nicolas Gayer dissected the 2026 edition. They highlighted the tournament's unpredictability due to its open draw from round three, outer boards, top seeds entering cold, and early round chaos. Amidst this, both hosts concluded that Luke Littler is the title favourite and the one player who does not need to fear the draw. Wood stated, "I've gone for Luke Littler. I don't think I really need to explain it, if I'm honest," while Gayer added, "In the end, there are so many players in this draw, and there's only one of them who doesn't have to fear any draw. Whatever he gets drawn against, he is the favourite. Even if it is Gian van Veen or Luke Humphries, he's still the clear favourite. That's how good he is." Wood acknowledged a theoretical risk from a nightmare early draw against someone like Luke Humphries, but Gayer emphasized Littler's status as favourite regardless.
For dark horses, Wood picked Ross Smith, citing his strong ProTour form in 2026, including winning a Players Championship title and backing it up with another deep run, along with his proven major-winning ability at the Europeans. Gayer selected Wessel Nijman, noting his Players Championship title win in 2026 and suggesting the UK Open format with outer boards and smaller stages could suit him better by avoiding constant TV spotlight.
Regarding seeds in danger, Wood identified Damon Heta as vulnerable due to a poor start to 2026 and falling outside World Matchplay spots, which adds pressure. Gayer pointed to Dimitri Van den Bergh, highlighting his struggles with only two wins this season and averages in the 70s on multiple ProTour occasions. Wood attributed Van den Bergh's issues to mental overthinking, noting that repeated losses could catch up with him in Minehead's unforgiving format.
On the topic of nine-darters, both hosts predicted at least one at the UK Open, given the surge in early 2026 with three on the ProTour and one in the Premier League. Wood said, "I've said yes. It's just been nine-darters everywhere... I can't see how, with all these players and all these matches across the board, there won't be at least one." Gayer named Mensur Suljovic as a candidate, citing his strong form with 105-plus averages on the floor and a 108 average in defeat earlier this month. Wood suggested Beau Greaves, referencing her historic season and ProTour performances.
