The Darts Enigma: Is ‘Big B’ Benito van de Pas Gearing Up for a Shock Pro Tour Return?
Former top-ranked Dutch darts player Benito van de Pas, once touted as a future star, has been spotted competing at a regional tournament. This unexpected appearance has ignited speculation among fans and pundits alike: could “Big B” be preparing for a sensational comeback to the professional PDC Pro Tour after a period away from the sport’s elite stage? This article delves into his past career, his reasons for stepping back, and the potential path for him to reclaim his spot among the world’s best.
The Rise and Fall of ‘Big B’
Benito van de Pas, affectionately known as ‘Big B’ in the darts world, emerged as a formidable talent from the Netherlands. His smooth throwing style and impressive scoring ability quickly earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s most promising young players. For several years, he was a consistent presence at major tournaments, often making deep runs.
Career Highlights:
- Reached a career-high ranking of World No. 15 in 2017.
- Appeared in multiple major quarter-finals, including the Grand Slam of Darts, UK Open, and World Grand Prix.
- Known for his ability to hit big finishes and maintain high averages.
However, after a period of sustained success, ‘Big B’s’ form began to dip. He struggled to maintain his consistency, and by the end of 2019, he unfortunately lost his coveted PDC Tour Card. This loss meant he could no longer automatically compete in the lucrative Pro Tour events, effectively removing him from the highest echelons of professional darts. It’s understood that a combination of personal challenges and a loss of confidence contributed to his stepping back from the intense professional circuit.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Regional Sighting
The recent sighting of Benito van de Pas at a regional darts tournament has sent ripples of excitement through the darts community. While these events are a far cry from the televised stages of the World Championship or Premier League, his participation is highly significant. Regional tournaments often serve as a proving ground for emerging talent or a way for seasoned players to stay sharp and enjoy the game without the immense pressure of the main tour.
His presence suggests a renewed interest and perhaps a desire to test his skills once more. For many, it’s a clear indication that ‘Big B’ might be contemplating a more serious return to professional darts, using these local competitions to regain match fitness and confidence.
The Road Back to the Pro Tour
For Benito van de Pas to make a full comeback, he would need to navigate a challenging path back to the PDC Pro Tour. The Pro Tour is the backbone of professional darts, comprising numerous tournaments throughout the year that offer ranking points and prize money. To compete in most of these events, players must hold a PDC Tour Card.
How to Reclaim a Tour Card:
- The primary route is through Q-School (Qualifying School).
- Q-School is an intense, multi-day tournament held annually, typically in January.
- Hundreds of players compete for a very limited number of Tour Cards, making it a grueling test of skill, consistency, and mental fortitude.
- Players who perform exceptionally well over the four days of competition, or by finishing high on the Q-School Order of Merit, earn a two-year Tour Card.
If van de Pas is serious about a return, Q-School would be his most direct route. It would require immense dedication to practice, a return to his peak form, and the mental resilience to endure the high-stakes environment of qualification.
The Future for ‘Big B’
The question on every darts fan’s mind is whether this regional appearance is just a casual outing or a deliberate first step towards a full-fledged comeback. A return to the Pro Tour would not only be a personal triumph for Benito van de Pas but also a captivating narrative for the sport.
His experience and natural talent could certainly make him a formidable contender once again, adding another exciting personality to the professional circuit. While nothing is confirmed, the darts world will be watching closely to see if Benito van de Pas can reignite his career and once again become a force on the professional stage. His journey, should he choose to embark on it, promises to be one of the most compelling comeback stories in recent darts history.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
