The Wales team of Jonny Clayton and Nick Kenny won their first match of the World Cup of Darts in comfortable fashion over Lithuania.

Clayton and tournament newcomer Kenny beat Darius Labanauskas and Mindaugas Barauskas 4-1 on the opening day of the tournament in Frankfurt, Germany.

Wales, who are having to go through group qualifying after Gerwyn Price withdrew, lost the opening leg at the Eissporthalle, but found their stride by winning the next four in the best-of-seven format.

Clayton followed up a 146 checkout in leg four with a double-double 100 finish to seal the deal, as Wales opened their bid for a third World Cup of Darts crown in style.

Their next game is against minnows Thailand and, if they win that, will potentially face one of the seeded nations in the round of 16: England, Netherlands, Scotland, and reigning champions Northern Ireland.

Clayton and Price won the World Cup in 2020 and 2023, and reached the final last year, losing an incredible last-leg final against the Northern Ireland duo of Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock.

Price, however, pulled out of the competition citing darts’ busy schedule, allowing 63rd ranked Kenny to take his place.

2026 World Cup of Darts

Group Stage – Thursday June 11

Czechia 4-0 India (H)
Japan 4-3 Croatia (K)
Norway 4-3 Finland (L)
Republic of Ireland 4-1 Singapore (D)
Poland 4-1 Portugal (E)
Sweden 4-2 South Africa (F)
Latvia 4-2 Italy (J)
Hong Kong 4-2 Belgium (B)
Germany 4-0 Philippines (A)
Wales 4-1 Lithuania (C)
Austria 4-1 China (I)
USA 4-3 Australia (G)

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