Darts star fights back tears as 500/1 outsider, 25, incredibly wins life changing prize money at Players Championship
Brooks, 25, got the better of three top players to earn himself a life-changing payday and a maiden senior PDC title in Leicester.
3
Bradley Brooks defied the odds to win the Players Championship 21 and pocket £15,000
Credit: Getty
The Blackburn thrower, who previously won the World Youth Championship in 2020, got the better of Chris Dobey and James Wade on his way to an 8-5 victory over
Brooks put up an average of 97 to beat former world champ Price, fending off a comeback from 'The Iceman' despite being 500/1 to win the tournament at the start of the day.
Brooks was overcome with emotion when discussing the victory post-match, fighting back tears as he opened up on bouncing back from losing his Tour Card last year to earning his first title.
He said: "I'm proud, but it's not all just me. I've got a good family, a good manager, Mrs, mum, nan - everyone. They all look after me.
READ MORE ON DARTS
"And they all know how much I struggled when I lost my Tour Card last year, my dad included as well, and I think if it wasn't for the people around me I wouldn't be where I am today".
In disbelief at what he had achieved, he added: "I'm lost for words. This week I felt so comfortable in my own game and everything clicked, so I'm over the moon.
"I treated the final like I had nothing to lose. I can't put into words how much it means to me.
"I struggled a couple of times this year and I still have that bad game in me, but I think when I do get it right, I can mix it with the best in the room."
Most read in Darts
3
Brooks appeared emotional as he discussed his shock victory
Credit: X
Bradley Brooks' route to success
Here's how Brooks blew away top competition to earn himself a handsome payday..
Round of 128
Bradley Brooks 6-2 William Borland
Round of 64
Brandon Brooks 6-3 Chris Dobey
Round of 32
Bradley Brooks 6-5 Brendan Dolan
Last 16
Bradley Brooks 6-5 James Wade
Quarter-finals
Bradley Brooks 6-1 Josh Rock
Semi-final
Bradley Brooks 7-6 James Hurrell
Final
Bradley Brooks 8-5 Gerwyn Price
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The victory for Brooks has rocketed him 23 places higher in the PDC Order of Merit, leaving him at 73rd spot.
While his spot at 60th in the ProTour Order of Merit puts him in good stead for a place at the World Championship this December if he can continue his form.
Elsewhere at the Players Championship 21, former world champion Micheal Smith crashed out in the first round - meaning
Unfortunately Smith crashed out in the first round, losing 6-4 to Thibault Tricole and sealing his unfortunate fate.
Although Smith hasn't missed a World Matchplay event since 2013, he has never lifted the trophy and came closest to tasting success in 2019 when he finished runner up to
3
Michael Smith has failed to qualify for the World Matchplay in Blackpool
Credit: Getty
World Matchplay field
Here's a look at the field for the tournament in Blackpool..
Luke Humphries
Luke Littler
Michael van Gerwen
Stephen Bunting
Jonny Clayton
Chris Dobey
Damon Heta
Nathan Aspinall
James Wade
Rob Cross
Gerwyn Price
Dave Chisnall
Gary Anderson
Ross Smith
Peter Wright
Danny Noppert
Qualifiers from ProTour Rankings
Martin Schindler
Josh Rock
Cameron Menzies
Gian van Veen
Wessel Nijman
Ryan Searle
Mike De Decker
Dirk van Duijvenbode
Jermaine Wattimena
Andrew Gilding
Daryl Gurney
Joe Cullen
Ricardo Pietreczko
Luke Woodhouse
Raymond van Barneveld
Ryan Joyce
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Venus Williams, 45, announces shock US Open comeback after two years without competing in a Grand Slam
VENUS WILLIAMS will play in a Grand Slam for the first time in two years after being handed a US Open wildcard. World No577 Williams was given a spot in the main draw of her home Major at the age of 45. 3 Venus Williams received a wildcard for the US Open Credit: Getty It means she is set to feature in a record-extending 25th US Open singles tournament which gets underway on August 24. And the veteran remains on course to be the oldest singles star to take to the court at Flushing Meadows for 44 years. In 1981, Renee Richards played at the age of 47. Many expected Williams to retire from tennis this year, having not competed between March 2024 and July 2025 due to health struggles - she needed surgery to remove fibroids from her uterus a year ago. Her last win was way back at the Cincinnati Open in August 2023. However, she accepted a wildcard for the Washington Open last month and stunned then-world No35 Peyton Stearns to win 6-3 6-4. And despite a first-round loss at Cincinnati, one of the all-time greats will grace the New York courts once more at the upcoming US Open, where the prize money stands at a record $5million [£3.7m]. Williams made the final on her debut at the Grand Slam event way back in 1997, losing to Martina Hingis. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS She was crowned champion in 2000 and 2001, beating sister Serena in the latter. But from the French Open 2002 to Wimbledon 2003, Venus reached five Grand Slam finals - and lost them all to her younger sibling. Tennis star Venus Williams talks about her struggles with chronic illness and Sjogren's syndrome Tennis stars' new careers PLENTY of tennis stars have stayed involved in the sport since retiring. But others pursued very different careers. Here are some of the best… I reached French Open and Wimbledon finals as a teenager but I quit to become a nun I won Wimbledon mixed doubles with my sister but got fed up with English weather so now run luxury B&B I was tipped for stardom aged 12 but retrained to become high-flying lawyer I earned £9m and won French Open before setting up bistro with Brazilian model girlfriend I'm last Frenchman to win Roland Garros, now I'm singer with six albums hitting No1 in charts I'm former world No1 but quit aged 29 - instead I went on to play professional poker and golf I was destined for the top but swapped lobs for labs as award-winning Harvard physicist Venus - a five-time Wimbledon winner - will also take part in the controversial mixed doubles event in the week before the singles draws get underway. Doubles specialists have been sidelined with a new, faster format and high-profile singles players teaming up - including Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. Williams received a wildcard entry alongside compatriot partner Reilly Opelka. 3 Venus beat sister Serena in the 2001 final at Flushing Meadows Credit: AP
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd ‘consider transfer move for £56.2m Brazil U20 star labelled ‘next Robert Lewandowski'
MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly weighing up a potential transfer move for Internacional's highly-rated young striker Ricardo Mathias. The 19-year-old Brazilian has been making waves in South America and is now attracting interest from major European clubs, including the fallen Premier League giants. Advertisement 5 Ricardo Mathias is a man on his way to big things in the world of football Credit: Getty 5 They say that rarely is there a game now in Brazil without a scout coming around to see him Credit: Getty 5 He reminds many of the former Dortmund striker Lewandowski Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Play via Dream Team's app or website today! According to a report from Globo Esporte the player is valued at £56.2m and United recently sent a scout to watch him during Internacional's Copa do Brasil match against Fluminense. The game, held at the iconic Maracana Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw, which led to Internacional's elimination from the competition. However Mathias still managed to leave a strong impression despite limited minutes. The scout in attendance was Alexandre Torres, a former player and the son of Brazilian football legend Carlos Alberto Torres. Advertisement READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS Sesko club card Man Utd didn't just beat Newcastle to Sesko with CL giants 'hurt' over move Torres, who currently works as an scout for United, was reportedly keeping a close eye on the teenager's performance throughout the match. Mathias came off the bench during the game but his brief appearance was enough to capture Torres' attention. The young forward showed glimpses of his potential with sharp movement, strong positioning and a physical presence that clearly stood out even in a high-pressure match. Before United's scouting mission, Mathias had already been on the radar of several other clubs. Advertisement BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK PSV Eindhoven were among the first European sides to express interest, reportedly considering a move to bring the striker to the Eredivisie. Additionally, two Brazilian investment groups have attempted to secure part-ownership of his economic rights. Benjamin Sesko touches down in private jet at Manchester Airport before being whisked away to seal £74m Man Utd transfer However, none of those efforts have yet materialised into a completed transfer or partnership. Advertisement One unnamed Premier League club has gone a step further than the rest, having already submitted a letter of intent regarding their interest in the young forward, signalling potential negotiations. Standing at 6ft 3in, Mathias is a physically imposing striker who combines strength with impressive speed and agility. This rare combination of attributes has earned him early comparisons to world-class centre-forward Robert Lewandowski. 5 United have already signed Sesko to address their goalscoring problems Credit: Getty Advertisement 5 Cunha and Mbeumo have also arrived to strenghten the squad Credit: Getty Like Lewandowski, Mathias is known for his intelligent movement and ability to find space in tight areas. He is also comfortable dropping deep to link up play, working effectively with midfielders and wide players to create attacking opportunities. Manchester United, still in the midst of rebuilding under Ruben Amorim, have already signed Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in response to finishing 15th in the league last season. Advertisement They have also been linked to Gianluigi Donnarumma as questions remain of goalkeeper Andre Onana. There is also an on-going drive to get players out of the door with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho all set to leave before the transfer window shuts next month.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Godolphin pay £85,000 to add shock ‘proven performer' into Juddmonte – but there's a catch
He won't be there to win CAST A SPELL Godolphin pay £85,000 to add shock 'proven performer' into Juddmonte – but there's a catch GODOLPHIN have paid a whopping £85,000 to add a shock 'proven performer' into the Juddmonte - but there's a catch. The Andre Fabre-trained dual Listed winner Birr Castle is a surprise addition to the star-studded field. 1 Ombudsman, left, was nutted by Delacroix on the line in the Coral-Eclipse and the two will do battle again in Wednesday's Juddmonte Credit: Getty But he will be given absolutely zero orders to win the £1.25million Group 1. And instead be used solely as a pacemaker for the John & Thady Gosden-trained Ombudsman. The Clarehaven team are busy readying their stable star for his big rematch with Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix in Wednesday's blockbuster. And they want to ensure he gets a good gallop after being chinned late on by the Irish raider in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. Birr Castle, a five-year-old gelding who was beaten just a length by Ace Impact in 2023 before he went onto win the Arc de Triomphe, will be used to set the early fractions. The last thing the Gosdens want is a dawdling pace which could play into Delacroix's rapid finishing kick. Master trainer Gosden - who was seen in a tense conversation with jockey William Buick after the Eclipse - told the Racing Post: "The Eclipse was a muddling race and we didn't want the prospect of a repeat. "Godolphin have kindly provided us with a nice horse to use as a pacemaker and he arrives sometime today. "It's no good putting something like a 75-rated horse in there as they can't do the job and hopefully Ombudsman can get a nice pace to aim at next week. "This is just a one off, the plan is for Birr Castle to return to Andre after the race." More to follow. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
