Brody Klinge set up a quarter-final showdown against Gian van Veen at the Keno Go Australian Darts Masters after a shock victory over Ross Smith in Wollongong.

Klinge was the solitary Oceanic representative to triumph on a terrific opening day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, registering an 11-dart break to sink Smith in a deciding-leg epic.

Smith crashed in eight maximums during a captivating affair, although he was punished for squandering two match darts in the decider, as Klinge celebrated the biggest victory of his career.

"I'm over the moon with that," said Klinge, who averaged 96 to Smith's 102.88. "That was the adrenaline rush of my life. I felt a lot more comfortable playing this time around and it showed in my performance I think."

The performance of the night was produced by James Wade, who averaged 112.73 - the second-highest recorded in a World Series of Darts event in Australia - during a six-leg demolition of Tim Pusey.

"That felt amazing. Everything just fell into my hands there," admitted Wade, who closed out victory with a 164 finish and will play Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals.

2024 champion Gerwyn Price will face Josh Rock in a fascinating last-eight showdown on Saturday, having reeled off four consecutive legs in a 6-2 victory over Simon Whitlock.

The 2026 Australian Darts Masters will reach its climax with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final during a blockbuster evening session at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday.