The UK Open, often called the “FA Cup of Darts,” delivers one of the most unpredictable and thrilling spectacles on the PDC calendar. Held annually at Butlin’s Minehead Resort every March, the event brings together the world’s elite pros, qualifiers, and walk-on amateurs in a random draw that sparks upsets, fairy-tale runs, and non-stop action across multiple boards. In this high-pressure environment, where players might face five or six grueling matches over a single weekend, moments of pure brilliance emerge—especially in the form of sky-high three-dart averages that leave fans and commentators in awe.
The all-time record for the highest match average at the UK Open belongs to Phil Taylor. In the 2010 last-32 clash, “The Power” unleashed a devastating 118.66 average to whitewash Kevin Painter 9-0. This wasn’t just a win; it was a ruthless display of precision, with Taylor hitting maximums relentlessly and finishing legs in clinical fashion. That figure stood as the highest average in any televised PDC match for nearly six years, underlining Taylor’s unparalleled dominance during his peak years. He captured five UK Open titles overall, and his influence on the record books is immense—he occupies seven of the top spots in the list of highest single-match averages.
Here’s a look at the elite top performers in individual match averages at the UK Open (focusing on televised encounters):
– 118.66 – Phil Taylor (2010, last 32 vs. Kevin Painter, 9-0)
– 115.92 – Niko Springer (2025, first round vs. Cor Dekker, 6-2)
– 115.62 – Phil Taylor (2009, quarterfinal vs. Mark Lawrence, 10-0)
– 115.51 – Phil Taylor (2009, last 32 vs. Ken Mather, 9-3)
– 114.91 – Michael van Gerwen (2015, last 16 vs. Kim Huybrechts, 9-2)
– 114.54 – Phil Taylor (2008, last 16 vs. Wes Newton, 9-3)
– 113.05 – Phil Taylor (2010, semifinal vs. Denis Ovens, 10-5)
– 111.67 – Phil Taylor (2015, last 16 vs. Vincent van der Voort, 9-3)
– 110.88 – Peter Wright (2017, quarterfinal vs. Raymond van Barneveld, 10-8)
– 110.81 – Michael van Gerwen (2020, quarterfinal vs. Rob Cross, 10-4)
Springer’s 115.92 in the 2025 opening round stands out as a modern highlight, achieved in the shorter best-of-11 legs format typical of early stages, where explosive starts can produce inflated numbers. Yet Taylor’s feats often came in longer formats (best-of-19 or best-of-21 from the last 32 onward), making his consistency even more remarkable. Michael van Gerwen adds firepower with two entries, showcasing his explosive style, while Peter Wright’s 110.88 came in a tense, high-stakes quarterfinal battle against a fellow legend.
Beyond single matches, tournament averages reveal who maintained the highest level across an entire event. Taylor again dominates here, posting an astonishing 107.82 over his 2015 campaign—despite exiting in the quarterfinals. Other standout runs include his 107.38 (2009 title win) and 106.81 (2013). These figures highlight the endurance demanded by the UK Open’s unique structure: early rounds favor quick-fire scoring, but the TV stages require sustained excellence amid roaring crowds and fatigue.
The tournament’s format—starting with 160 players on Thursday qualifiers and Friday walk-ons—creates the perfect storm for record-breaking moments. Shorter early matches allow for fireworks, while deeper runs test mental and physical resilience. As the sport evolves, with rising stars like Luke Littler (who claimed the 2025 title with a solid 104.35 tournament average) and young talents pushing boundaries, the question lingers: could someone finally eclipse Taylor’s 118.66? With the Minehead oche always ready and the crowds electric, the UK Open continues to produce darts history year after year—pure excitement, one treble 20 at a time.
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