The UK Q-School continues to deliver astonishing upsets! Following earlier surprises, Carl Sneyd and Niall Culleton dramatically secured their coveted PDC Tour Cards, overcoming incredible odds and nail-biting finishes. Their victories highlight the intense, unpredictable nature of darts’ toughest qualifying event, where established names often falter and new stars emerge from the shadows.
The drama at the PDC UK Q-School in Milton Keynes shows no signs of slowing down. Just a day after Rhys Griffin, who had struggled on the Pro Tour for two years, reclaimed his card, and Australian newcomer Adam Leek stunned everyone, two more unexpected players have punched their ticket to professional darts.
Carl Sneyd’s Redemption Arc
While not entirely unknown, Carl Sneyd’s victory was certainly a surprise. A winner on the Challenge Tour last year, Sneyd needed a significant dose of luck and resilience. In his semi-final clash against David Sharp, Sneyd astonishingly survived an estimated eight match darts before ultimately securing the win. He then capitalised on this escape in a less-than-stellar final, defeating Steve Lennon 6-3 to claim his spot on the Pro Tour.
Niall Culleton’s Miraculous Comeback
Even more dramatic was the journey of experienced Irishman Niall Culleton. ‘Cully’ looked destined for an early exit in the second round, finding himself a staggering 5-0 down against Sam Jackson. In a display of incredible nerve, Culleton survived two match darts and then incredibly won six legs in a row to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. His final against Danny Goddard also saw fortune smile upon him, as Goddard missed crucial opportunities. In the decisive leg, Culleton held his composure, finishing in 18 darts to earn his two-year PDC Tour Card.
The Road to the Pro Tour: A Battlefield for All
Q-School is a brutal proving ground where careers are made or broken. These unexpected wins underscore just how tough it is, even for seasoned professionals.
Key Results from the Day:
- Carl Sneyd defeated David Sharp 6-5 (Semi-Final)
- Steve Lennon defeated Stephen Burton 6-4 (Semi-Final)
- Danny Goddard defeated Harrison Leigh 6-2 (Semi-Final)
- Niall Culleton defeated Sam Spivey 6-3 (Semi-Final)
Finals:
- Carl Sneyd defeated Steve Lennon 6-3
- Niall Culleton defeated Danny Goddard 6-5
Big Names Still Battling
While Sneyd and Culleton celebrate, many prominent players face an uphill battle in the remaining days of Q-School. With only five Tour Cards available through the ranking system, every point is crucial. Some notable players who struggled to make an impact today include:
- Mervyn King: Lost 6-2 to Niall Culleton in the Last 32.
- John Henderson: Lost 6-2 to Tom Sykes in the Last 64.
- Steve Beaton: Lost 6-5 to Stephen Burton in the Last 128.
- Dylan Slevin: Lost 6-3 to Harry Ward in the Last 32.
Players like Ted Evetts and Adam Hunt are still on zero points, highlighting the immense pressure. Steve Lennon, despite losing in the final, is currently leading the ranking table, putting him in a strong position for one of the coveted five spots. However, other losing finalists like Tyler Thorpe, Danny Goddard, and Scott Waites are not yet in a virtual qualifying position, setting the stage for more intense competition over the final two days.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
