BLOM BLOWS THE FIELD AWAY TO CLAIM EVENT 5

Sometimes the biggest stories in sport are written by the players least expected to lift the trophy. At Event 5 of the Pensioners Challenge on Friday, 16 October 2026, Robert Blom stepped into the spotlight once again, defeating Paul Simpson 4–3 in the championship final to secure a memorable victory.

Blom's triumph was particularly satisfying because it mirrored his success from the previous year. When the pressure was at its highest, he delivered the goods, overcoming one of the circuit's most accomplished competitors to take the title.

His route to glory was built on consistency. Blom overcame Brian Baiman 3–1 in the opening round, in the quarter-final defeated Colin Griffith 3–0 and then edged past Daniel Jacobs 3-0 to reach the championship decider. He completed his campaign by beating Simpson 4–3 in the final.

Four matches played, four victories secured — a perfect record for the champion.

Simpson falls at the final hurdle

Simpson once again demonstrated why he remains one of the leading forces in the Pensioners Challenge. His campaign included a powerful 84.17 three-dart average against Adrian Petersen (82.65), the standout match of the day.

However, Blom proved too strong when the title was on the line. The 4–3 result denied Simpson another tournament victory and confirmed Blom's ability to rise to the occasion against the circuit's established names.

Petersen leads the statistical charts

Although he did not claim the title, Adrian Petersen produced the tournament's strongest overall statistical performance.

• Best overall three-dart average: Paul Simpson – 84.17
• Best first-nine average: Adrian Petersen - 89.23
• Highest recorded checkout: David Lawrence - 102
• Champion's record: Robert Blom - four wins from four matches
• Blom's highest checkout: 92

Petersen also recorded two 180s, while Simpson contributed two 170-plus scores. Kasandra Thavarin impressed with 18 scores of 100 or more, matching Blom's total in that category.

These figures underline the quality across the field, even as Blom emerged as the player who converted his performances into the ultimate prize.

The Greek Legend awaits his next challenger

The action does not stop here! This Sunday, attention turns to the Friends Challenge Grand Prix, where another champion will emerge from the competitive Strugglers Challenges.

The latest Friends Challenge winner, George Klonaridis known as the Greek Legend, currently holds bragging rights. But the question is: who will rise to the occasion this weekend?

Could it be you?

Win the Grand Prix, and you could be the next player celebrated as champion — with your photograph featured as our profile picture!

The invitation is open: bring your best game, take your place at the oche and challenge the reigning champion's legacy.

Robert Blom has shown that past success can be repeated. This Sunday, the next chapter of the Friends Challenge awaits. Who will be our next champion?