The European Q-School 2026 has concluded with a thrilling finale, seeing five talented Dutch players secure their coveted PDC Pro Tour cards! Jeffrey de Zwaan, Sietse Lap, Chris Landman, Jurjen van der Velde, and Alexander Merkx will now join the professional circuit next year, a testament to their skill and perseverance in a fiercely competitive field. This article delves into the drama, the key matches, and the players who rose to the occasion.
The Battle for Pro Tour Status: A High-Stakes Finale
The final day of European Q-School was a pressure cooker, with nine remaining tour cards up for grabs after seven had already been distributed. For many hopefuls, dreams of professional darts status were on the line, and the tension was palpable from the very first round.
Early Exits and Rising Hopes
The unforgiving format meant that some players saw their aspirations dashed early. Prominent names like Jeroen Caron, Michael Unterbuchner, Patrick Bulen, and Romeo Grbavac were among those who couldn’t capitalize on their strong starting positions, losing in the first round. A round later, David Cameron, Damian Mol, and Lennert Faes also fell short. Meanwhile, players like Jeffrey de Zwaan and Jurjen van der Velde steadily climbed the rankings, building momentum when it mattered most.
First Wave of Qualifiers: New Faces and Familiar Returns
As the day progressed, the first set of players managed to secure their spots on the Pro Tour. The excitement was particularly high for:
- Benjamin Pratnemer: Making history as the first Slovenian player to achieve professional status with the PDC.
- Chris Landman: “The Countryman” made an immediate return to the Pro Tour, showcasing his determination by defeating Michael Unterbuchner, Sebastian Steyer, and Matt Campbell to accumulate a commanding 10 points.
- Marvin Kraft: The surprising German talent secured his card after a crucial victory over Liam Maendl-Lawrence.
Soon after, Adam Gawlas also confirmed his place among the elite eight, despite a narrow 6-5 loss to Boris Krcmar, indicating his consistent performance throughout the event.
The Dutch Charge: Five Players Seize Their Opportunity
With only five tour cards left, the drama intensified, especially for the Dutch contingent. Each match became a do-or-die affair, leading to some unforgettable moments.
De Zwaan’s Redemption and the Black Cobra’s Bite
One of the most nail-biting encounters saw Jeffrey de Zwaan face Andreas Harrysson in the last 16. The winner would be virtually guaranteed a tour card, while the loser would face an uncertain future. In a thrilling clash, De Zwaan emerged victorious with a tight 6-5 win, securing his place among the professionals. This was a moment of sweet redemption for “The Black Cobra,” who had agonizingly missed multiple match darts the previous Friday.
Van der Velde and Merkx Join the Ranks
Following De Zwaan’s success, two more Dutch players solidified their Pro Tour dreams:
- Jurjen van der Velde: Confirmed his top-eight finish after an impressive 6-2 victory over Chris Landman.
- Alexander Merkx: His fate was sealed shortly after, as Boris Krcmar’s win over Gilbert van der Meijden in the semi-finals ensured Merkx’s qualification.
Sietse Lap’s Incredible Comeback
The final Dutch qualifier provided perhaps the most dramatic moment of the day. Croatian player Boris Krcmar seemed poised to secure his own tour card, but standing in his way was Sietse Lap. In the climactic final match, Lap found himself trailing 5-3. However, demonstrating incredible composure and skill, he launched a stunning comeback, winning three consecutive legs in 15, 16, and 16 darts to snatch a 6-5 victory. This incredible fightback secured Sietse Lap’s spot on the Pro Tour!
The Final Tally: A Strong Dutch and German Showing
The conclusion of European Q-School 2026 marks a significant moment for darts, particularly for the Netherlands and Germany.
- Netherlands: With these five new additions, the total number of Dutch players holding a PDC tour card for the upcoming year now stands at an impressive 22.
- Germany: Pascal Rupprecht’s performance ensured Germany also had a strong presence, bringing their total of tour card holders to 15. Rupprecht narrowly secured the eighth and final spot, just ahead of Andreas Harrysson.
For Andreas Harrysson, it was a heartbreaking end to his campaign, meaning another year without a tour card despite a valiant effort.
Key Match Results from the Final Day:
Semi-Finals:
- Sietse Lap 6-4 Jurjen van der Velde
- Boris Krcmar 6-4 Gilbert van der Meijden
- Mika Donnevert 6-1 José de Sousa
- Jeffrey de Zwaan 6-5 Pascal Rupprecht
Finals:
- Sietse Lap 6-5 Boris Krcmar
- Jeffrey de Zwaan 6-2 Mika Donnevert
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
