A major international darts tournament was thrown into disarray when a sudden power failure halted play during a crucial quarter-final match.
Darkness Descends on Darts Clash
The highly anticipated Bahrain Darts Masters quarter-final between Dutch stars Gian van Veen and Danny Noppert was brought to an abrupt standstill on Friday, 16 January 2026. The unexpected incident occurred when the lights dramatically failed inside the venue, plunging the stage into darkness and forcing an immediate suspension of play.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the sport's governing body, was quick to address the situation. Officials confirmed the disruption was caused by an electrical problem within the arena. In a statement posted on social media at approximately 17:51 GMT, the PDC announced: "A break in play here after an electrical issue in the venue....We will be back shortly."
Tournament Officials Scramble for a Solution
The unexpected blackout created a significant challenge for tournament organisers, who were forced to pause proceedings indefinitely while engineers worked to resolve the issue. Broadcasters, including ITV, which was airing the event, were compelled to cut their live feed as there was no action to show.
Fans both in the arena and watching around the world were left waiting for updates, with the PDC promising a swift return to action. The incident highlighted the logistical complexities of hosting major sporting events, where even a momentary technical fault can disrupt a globally televised competition.
Play Resumes After Unplanned Interval
Following a period of uncertainty, the electrical fault was rectified. The lights were restored, allowing the quarter-final clash between Van Veen and Noppert to continue after an unplanned and lengthy interval. The resolution allowed the prestigious tournament, a key part of the PDC's World Series of Darts, to proceed towards its conclusion.
While the delay was an unforeseen hiccup, the swift response from officials ensured the integrity of the competition was maintained. The Bahrain Darts Masters continued, with players having to refocus after the unusual and disruptive break in play during a high-stakes match.
