The UK Open of 2018 was played from 2 to 4 March. Through the six UK Open qualifiers, 96 players qualified for the main tournament. The other 32 participants came from various regional qualifying tournaments as usual. It was a remarkable edition, because thanks to heavy weather in England, the organization decided to play the tournament without an audience. Something that created a remarkable atmosphere.
Already on the first day a couple of title candidates were eliminated. Michael van Gerwen loses from compatriot Jeffrey de Zwaan while titleholder Peter Wright is eliminated by the young Englishman Nathan Rafferty. Because Dave Chisnall, Raymond van Barneveld, Robert Thornton, Adrian Lewis and Simon Whitlock do not pass the third round, the playing field is immediately opened for a number of 'more unusual' players.
There are a couple of surprising names in the quarter finals. David Pallett and Robert Owen both reach their first major semi-finals after victories over Steve West and John Part. In addition, Gary Anderson and Corey Cadby also reach the semi-finals by victories over Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price. Anderson is ultimately the lucky one who takes the title. He beats Cadby 11-7 and takes the UK Open title for the first time.