Day 2 of the PDC Q-School Final Stage delivered thrilling drama and significant comebacks, with four players securing their coveted Tour Cards. In Europe, Spain’s Cristo Reyes, ‘The Spartan,’ made a triumphant return to the professional circuit after losing his card due to the pandemic, while Dutchman Jeffrey Sparidaans also reclaimed his spot. Across the channel in the UK, England’s Carl Sneyd lived up to expectations, and Ireland’s Niall Culleton pulled off an astonishing 0-5 comeback in a crucial match to secure his career-defining Tour Card. Meanwhile, Germany’s Matthias Ehlers, though narrowly missing out on a direct card, positioned himself brilliantly for a ranking spot in the days ahead, highlighting the intense battle for professional darts status.
European Q-School: Comebacks and Close Calls in Kalkar
The European Q-School, held in Kalkar, Germany, saw two familiar faces earn their way back onto the PDC Pro Tour. Securing a Tour Card means a player can compete in all Pro Tour events, including Players Championships and qualifiers for major tournaments, offering a pathway to the elite of professional darts.
Cristo Reyes: The Spartan’s Triumphant Return
Spanish star Cristo Reyes, known as “The Spartan,” secured his highly anticipated return to the Pro Tour. Reyes, a popular figure in darts, tragically lost his Tour Card during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his performance demonstrated that he has lost none of his formidable skill. His journey to victory included dominant 6-1 wins over Pascal Rupprecht and Michael van de Ven, a tense decider against Chris Landman, and confident 6-3 victories against David Cameron and Jurjen van der Velde. In the final, Reyes faced Germany’s Matthias Ehlers. Reyes was the more consistent player, hitting six perfect darts during one leg and ultimately winning with a strong 95 average, leaving Ehlers little room to recover after early breaks.
Jeffrey Sparidaans Reclaims His Spot
Dutchman Jeffrey Sparidaans also earned his Tour Card, making his comeback to the professional circuit. Sparidaans had previously held a Tour Card in 2023 and 2024 and has consistently impressed in WDF events. His victory on Day 2 was a testament to his resilience and skill. Sparidaans overcame a diverse field of competitors, including Tomoya Goto, Mason Whitlock, and Miroslaw Grudziecki. He then famously battled back from a 2-5 deficit against Adam Gawlas, saving match darts to win. The final against Italy’s Michele Turetta was another nail-biter. Sparidaans built a significant 5-1 lead but squandered multiple match darts, pushing the game to a decider. In the end, Turetta missed his own opportunities, allowing Sparidaans to seize the victory.
Strong German Performances
While Matthias Ehlers narrowly missed out on a direct Tour Card, his performance was exceptional. Ehlers reached the final, securing a crucial 6 points in the ranking table. With a projected cut-off around 8 points, he is in an excellent position to earn a Tour Card through the Order of Merit over the remaining days. Throughout the day, Ehlers rarely dropped more than three legs per match, defeating strong opponents like former German champion Mitja Gustorf, ex-World Championship participant Patrick Bulen, and World Cup starter Romeo Grbavac.
Several other German players also impressed:
- Marvin Kraft: Reached the Last 16, currently holding 5 points, and notably defeated Radek Szaganski with an impressive 96 average.
- Luca Wolff: The 16-year-old talent fought back from match darts in his opening game and made it to the Last 16.
- Yorick Hofkens: Also reached the Last 16, demonstrating strong form against Marcel Walpen and Danny Lauby, and holds 4 points.
- Michael Unterbuchner: Reached the Last 32, securing 4 points and remaining in contention for a ranking spot.
For players who have not yet secured points, the path to a Tour Card becomes significantly harder, likely requiring a daily win or at least a final appearance in the coming days.
UK Q-School: Favorites and Unlikely Heroes in Milton Keynes
The UK Q-School, held in Milton Keynes, also delivered two new Tour Card holders, showcasing a mix of expected victories and incredible underdog stories.
Carl Sneyd: The “Bomber” Delivers
England’s Carl Sneyd, nicknamed “The Bomber,” was considered one of the favorites and successfully claimed his Tour Card. Having won a Challenge Tour title recently, Sneyd demonstrated his capability, despite not always hitting his highest averages. His journey included victories over Tommy Morris and Daryl Hunt, as well as a tight 6-5 win against David Sharp. In the critical match against Steve Lennon, a player often oscillating between Q-School and the Pro Tour, Sneyd emerged victorious with a 6-4 scoreline, securing his place.
Niall Culleton: The Unbelievable Comeback Kid
Ireland’s Niall Culleton delivered the most sensational story of the day, securing his career-highlight Tour Card. The 39-year-old, who has competed on the Challenge Tour for years without major success, faced an almost impossible situation in the second round against Sam Jackson, trailing 0-5. In an astonishing display of grit and determination, Culleton won six consecutive legs to turn the match around, winning 6-5. This incredible comeback propelled him forward, leading to further wins against Mervyn King, Damien Grimes, and Sam Spivey. In the final against Danny Goddard, Culleton again faced match darts but held his nerve as Goddard, despite hitting a nine-darter earlier in the day, couldn’t close it out. Culleton’s victory is a true testament to never giving up.
UK Ranking Standings and Notable Players
Day 2 in Milton Keynes also saw some unexpected names progress deep into the tournament. Former Tour Card holders Harry Ward and Matthew Dennant reached the Last 16, while established players like Mark McGeeney, Mervyn King, and Jamie Hughes exited earlier. The current ranking table for the UK Q-School is led by Steve Lennon and Sam Spivey, both with 7 points, putting them in strong positions for a Tour Card via the Order of Merit.
Other notable players still firmly in the mix include:
- Scott Waites (5 points)
- Steve Beaton (4 points)
- Mervyn King (4 points)
- Jenson Walker (4 points)
However, players like Fallon Sherrock are yet to register points, making their path forward increasingly challenging.
What’s Next at Q-School?
The battle for professional darts status continues tomorrow, with Day 3 of the Final Stage of Q-School 2026 commencing at 13:00 CET. While there is no live television or streaming coverage, all matches can be followed in real-time via DartConnect, allowing fans to track the progress of their favorite players and rising stars as they chase their darts dreams.
Source: Based on dartn.de.
