The England Open Women's Championship delivered a superb standard of darts throughout the weekend at Seal Bay Resort, culminating in a high-quality final between two of the sport's most accomplished players. Sponsored by Seal Bay Resort and One80 Darts, the championship saw Gemma Hayter produce a series of outstanding performances to claim the title in impressive fashion.
Hayter was among the standout performers from the opening rounds. After comfortably defeating Jane Monaghan 4-0 in the Last 32, she overcame Girls Champion Macy Gibbons 4-1 in the Last 16 with an excellent 83.30 average. Her quarter-final against Rhian O'Sullivan proved to be one of the matches of the tournament, with both players averaging in the mid-70s. Hayter held her nerve to edge a thrilling 4-3 victory and continue her march towards the title.
The semi-finals saw Hayter raise her game once more. Facing Abbi Ettridge, she delivered a superb 82.77 average to secure a convincing 4-1 victory and book her place in the final.
The opposite side of the draw saw Deta Hedman once again demonstrate her remarkable consistency and experience. Hedman progressed through the field with victories over Debbie Shadwell, Wendy Reinstadtler and Laura Turner before defeating Paula Jacklin 4-1 in the semi-finals. Her quarter-final victory over Turner was particularly impressive, with Hedman averaging 75.76 in a controlled performance.
The championship match brought together two players who had been among the most consistent performers of the weekend. Hayter started strongly and never allowed Hedman to settle into her rhythm. Producing an outstanding 85.31 average, Hayter delivered one of the finest performances of the women's event, powering to a 5-1 victory. Hedman averaged a highly respectable 80.59 in defeat, but Hayter's scoring power and clinical finishing proved decisive throughout the contest.
Final Result
Gemma Hayter 5-1 Deta Hedman
Final Averages
- Gemma Hayter: 85.31
- Deta Hedman: 80.59
Semi-Final Results
- Gemma Hayter 4-1 Abbi Ettridge (82.77 v 75.18)
- Deta Hedman 4-1 Paula Jacklin (76.82 v 70.93)
Match of the Tournament
The quarter-final between Gemma Hayter and Rhian O'Sullivan was one of the standout encounters of the championship, with Hayter averaging 77.43 to edge a thrilling 4-3 victory over O'Sullivan, who averaged 74.44.
Standout Performances
Several players produced exceptional darts throughout the event:
- Gemma Hayter – 85.31 average in the final.
- Steph Clarke – 85.89 average in a 4-0 victory over Natalie Baxter.
- Gemma Hayter – 83.30 average against Macy Gibbons in the Last 16.
- Deta Hedman – 76.82 average in her semi-final victory over Paula Jacklin.
- Rhian O'Sullivan – 80.16 average in a 4-0 win over Natalie Gilbert.
Congratulations to Gemma Hayter, whose combination of heavy scoring, composure, and consistency throughout the weekend earned her the title of England Open Women's Champion 2026, capping off a magnificent run at Seal Bay Resort.
