Clemens Breaks His Duck
Gabriel Clemens finally ended his long wait for a first PDC title with a hard-fought 8-6 victory over Luke Woodhouse in the final of Players Championship 24 in Leicester. The German, who had lost all six of his previous ranking finals, held his nerve after Woodhouse mounted a stunning fightback from 6-2 down to level at 6-6.
"I have lost so many finals, but I am very happy. I have no words," an emotional Clemens said after pocketing the £15,000 top prize. "Today is my day. I'm very proud."
The win caps an impressive day for the 41-year-old, who ousted three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in the last 16 and then survived a Scott Williams nine-dart finish to edge a deciding leg in the quarter-finals.
Road to the Final
Clemens arrived in the final as the form player, having dropped only eight legs in his four matches prior to the decider. He whitewashed Mickey Mansell 6-1 in the last eight and then breezed past Brendan Dolan 7-3 in the semi-finals.
Woodhouse, meanwhile, endured a far bumpier path. The Englishman saw off Thibault Tricole and Raymond van Barneveld in the early rounds, then fought back from 3-1 down to stun Gian van Veen 7-5 in the last four. He also crushed Danny Noppert 6-0 in the quarters to underline his threat.
A Tale of Two Halves in the Final
The final began with Clemens racing into a 6-2 advantage, punishing Woodhouse's slow start with a barrage of clinical finishing. But the Englishman refused to fold, reeling off four straight legs to level at 6-6 and leave the German visibly shaken.
"I was feeling nervous," admitted Clemens, who temporarily lost his range when a 70 checkout went begging. Woodhouse himself then faltered, missing darts to break throw in the 13th leg, and Clemens stepped up to sink 54 and reclaim the lead at 7-6. In the very next leg, the German sealed his maiden title in style, taking out the 'Big Fish' — 170 — to spark delirious celebrations.
Key Takeaways
- Clemens sheds his nearly-man tag by winning a PDC title at the seventh attempt.
- Woodhouse's comeback from 6-2 down was ultimately in vain, but his run secured qualification for the 2026 World Matchplay.
- The German's big-stage victories over Van Gerwen and Williams underline growing mental resilience.
Quick Facts
Event: 2026 Players Championship 24
Venue: Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Final Result: Gabriel Clemens 8-6 Luke Woodhouse
Prize Money: £15,000
Clemens' Previous Finals: 6 (all defeats)
Woodhouse World Matchplay Status: Qualified
