Hayter was in sensational form from start to finish, her 83.50 average in the final underlining just how far she has risen among the game’s elite. De Graaf, one of Europe’s most respected competitors, could only watch as Hayter produced a relentless display of scoring power and clinical finishing. The result capped a perfect campaign in which Hayter didn’t drop a single leg in the semi-final or the final — a remarkable show of consistency at the highest level.
Her path to glory began in emphatic fashion, averaging 73.32 in her opening-round win over Elaine Chapman and then continuing to climb through the rounds with growing authority. A 4–0 victory over Aletta Wajer in the Top 16 (with an 88.41 average) set the tone for what was to come. In the quarter-finals, Hayter’s 84.72 average in a 4–1 victory over Priscilla Steenbergen confirmed her as the player to beat. She then swept aside Eve Watson 4–0 in the semi-finals with another 80-plus performance before powering past De Graaf in the final with one of the most commanding displays of the entire event.
Aileen de Graaf also impressed across the weekend, showing trademark composure and heavy scoring on her run to the final. The Dutch star averaged 74.22 in her 4–0 quarter-final win over Paige Pauling, having earlier defeated Rhian O’Sullivan 4–0 in the Last 16 and Lexi Rooksby 4–0 in the Top 32. Her semi-final against Rhian O’Sullivan was a battle of experience and class, and although De Graaf’s 67.46 average in her 4–2 win wasn’t her highest of the day, her accuracy on the doubles proved decisive in reaching the final.
There were standout performances across the draw. Eve Watson continued her excellent season with solid finishing and composure, taking out Deta Hedman 4–1 in the quarter-finals after a string of strong averages through the early rounds. Rhian O’Sullivan once again showcased her trademark fluid scoring, particularly in her 4–1 victory over Anca Zijlstra, where she averaged 85.16 — one of the highest of the tournament. Deta Hedman, Paige Pauling, and Priscilla Steenbergen all reached the last eight, each delivering moments of brilliance that highlighted the exceptional depth in the women’s field.
The early stages of the event also produced notable moments. Zijlstra, Watson, Hayter, and De Graaf all posted averages in the 70s and 80s during their Top 32 matches, while Macy Gibbons, Sara Walton, and Kathryn Percival earned deserved recognition for strong early-round performances. The mixture of seasoned internationals and rising domestic talent created a tournament rich in excitement and respect, a hallmark of women’s darts at this level.
Crowning an unforgettable weekend, this victory completed a magnificent double for Gemma Hayter, who also lifted the England Masters Women’s title earlier in the tournament series. Her flawless finishing, poise under pressure, and commanding scoring power saw her dominate both events — confirming her status as one of the sport’s most formidable and consistent champions.
