The PDC’s Q-School has once again delivered its annual dose of drama, seeing 29 players secure their coveted spots on the professional darts circuit. This year’s edition was a thrilling blend of fresh talent making their debut, seasoned veterans reclaiming their lost cards, and established names proving they still have what it takes. From nail-biting last-leg deciders and impressive nine-darters to dominant performances and emotional comebacks, the four-day event in both the UK and Europe was a true test of nerve and skill, setting the stage for an exciting new season of professional darts.
Day 1: New Faces and Familiar Returns Kick Off the Action
The opening day of the final phase of Q-School set a high bar for excitement, immediately introducing us to a mix of debutants and reclaiming heroes.
UK Arena Sees Aussie Breakthrough and Welsh Comeback
- In the UK, Australia’s Adam Leek was the first to snatch a tour card, overcoming Tyler Thorpe in a tense 6-5 semi-final. Leek’s journey was marked by resilience, winning four of his six matches in crucial last-leg deciders, including a notable victory over fan-favourite Steve Beaton.
- Joining him was Welshman Rhys Griffin, who successfully reclaimed his tour card after a challenging previous year. Griffin also navigated tight matches, but showcased his dominance with a commanding 6-0 semi-final win against former Grand Slam winner Scott Waites.
European Stage Welcomes World Championship Star and Polish Talent
- Over in Germany, Arno Merk, fresh from his impressive World Championship showing, secured his place by defeating Jeffrey Sparidaans 6-5 in a closely fought contest.
- The final direct qualifier on Day 1 was Polish thrower Filip Bereza, making his debut on the professional circuit. Bereza’s victory came against former ‘wunderkind’ Jeffrey De Zwaan, despite De Zwaan averaging around 95 and leading 5-1 at one point – a testament to Bereza’s fighting spirit.
Day 2: Irish Talent Shines, Veterans Reclaim Spots
The second day brought more intense darting action, with new names emerging and others making successful returns.
Irish Duo Dominates UK Qualifiers
- The UK saw two Irish players secure their tour cards. Niall Culleton, the less experienced of the two, edged out Danny Goddard in a tight match.
- Alongside him, Carl Sneyd, known for his performances on the Modus Super Series, defeated former tour card holder Steve Lennon. This came on a day where Danny Goddard also hit a spectacular nine-dart leg in his Last 16 match – a moment of perfection despite not qualifying directly.
European Reclaimers Make Their Mark
- In Kalkar, Day 1 semi-finalist Jeffrey Sparidaans confirmed his return to the tour, reclaiming his card by beating Michele Turetta.
- Another popular figure, Spain’s Cristo Reyes, delivered a solid performance, winning his semi-final 6-3 against Matthias Ehlers with an impressive 94.83 average, sealing the deal with a 14-dart leg.
Important Note on Order of Merit: Players who don’t win a tour card directly can still qualify through the ‘Order of Merit’ – a ranking system based on points accumulated throughout Q-School. After Day 2, players like David Sharp and Stephen Burton were already positioning themselves well for these spots.
Day 3: World Champion’s Triumph and Another Nine-Darter
Day three delivered expected qualifications and more moments of brilliance.
UK Sees WDF World Champion and Dominant Performance
- Two highly anticipated qualifiers emerged from the UK. Tom Sykes had an exceptional day, avoiding any last-leg deciders and showcasing clinical finishing, including a 100.20 average in a 6-0 quarter-final win.
- Joining him was the 2024 WDF World Champion, Ireland’s Shane McGuirk. McGuirk’s impressive form saw him win every match with an average over 90, a crucial benchmark for success on the professional circuit.
- The UK also witnessed the fourth nine-dart leg of Q-School, courtesy of George Killington, adding another highlight to the event.
New Faces Emerge from Europe
- In Germany, two new tour card holders were crowned: Matthias Ehlers, who defeated Lennert Faes, and Yorick Hofkens, who overcame WDF World Champion Jimmy van Schie.
- Despite the semi-final loss, Jimmy van Schie still secured his professional status by accumulating enough points through the Order of Merit.
Final Day: High Stakes, Veteran Grit, and Fresh Blood
The last day of Q-School is always the most nail-biting, offering the final direct cards and determining the Order of Merit qualifiers.
UK Sees Rising Star and Veteran’s Resurgence
- In Milton Keynes, rising star Charlie Manby, known for his high averages on the Development Tour, secured his card by beating veteran Mervyn King in the semi-final.
- Despite the loss, the legendary Mervyn King, turning 60 this year, proved his enduring class by earning his place back on the PDC tour through a consistent week and his strong Order of Merit position. This highlights his continued ability to compete with younger talent.
- Another debutant, Samuel Price, also claimed a card, with a standout 102.13 average in his 6-2 win over Derek Coulson earlier in the day.
European Stage Welcomes Back a Prodigy and a Newcomer
- Mainland Europe saw the much-anticipated return of Jeffrey De Zwaan. After years battling injuries affecting his throwing arm, his comeback is a significant event for darts enthusiasts eager to see him back on the tour.
- The other winner was 37-year-old Sietse Lap, who defeated ‘Big’ Boris Krcmar to cement his place on the tour, preventing Krcmar from qualifying via the Order of Merit.
A New Chapter Begins: The 2025 PDC Tour Awaits
As the dust settles on Q-School, 29 players now look forward to a new chapter in their darts careers. This year’s event was a true showcase of talent, determination, and the sheer unpredictability of darts. From the raw ambition of new qualifiers like Adam Leek and Shane McGuirk, to the inspiring comebacks of Rhys Griffin and Jeffrey De Zwaan, and the enduring class of veterans like Mervyn King, the professional circuit is set to welcome a vibrant mix of competitors. The journey ahead will be challenging, but for these players, the dream of professional darts has officially been realized.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
