Stage One of Q School is now complete, so it feels like a good time to take stock before attention turns to Stage Two and the chance to secure that elusive PDC Pro Tour Card.
As ever, Stage One gave us a fascinating mix of stories: experienced campaigners finding form at the right time, big names leaving it late, and a few quieter qualifiers putting their hands up as serious contenders.
Stage One – Key Stats
Below are some of the standout statistical performers from Stage One.
100+ Average hitters:
UK Q School
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Highest Tournament Average: Llew Bevan – 93.80
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Most 180s: John Henderson – 27
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Most 140s: John Henderson – 80
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Top Checkout Percentage: Llew Bevan – 50%
European Q School
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Highest Tournament Average: Benjamin Pratnemer – 90.2
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Most 180s: Jeffrey de Zwaan – 20
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Most 140s: Roger Janssen – 62
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Top Checkout Percentage: Jimmy van Schie – 44%
UK Stage One: Experience Shows
In the UK, John Henderson has certainly made a statement. His scoring power was relentless, particularly on Day 3, and his stats back up what the eye test suggested and he looks fully motivated to get back on the main tour. Henderson goes into Stage Two full of confidence and could be a serious factor if that scoring continues.
Llew Bevan also qualified with relative ease and was statistically one of the standout players of Stage One. His combination of heavy scoring and excellent doubling suggests he’s well equipped for the longer grind ahead.
Another former World Champion also looked in good shape, moving through Stage One comfortably and reminding everyone that experience still counts for plenty in this format.
Others had to take the scenic route. Scott Mitchell left it late and was close to elimination before producing a crucial run to qualify automatically in the last 32. John Part did just enough, scraping through as the final qualifier on the Order of Merit. Interestingly, in 2024, the last Order of Merit qualifier went on to earn a Tour Card in Stage Two, so perhaps the omens are good for “Darth Maple”.
Two additional names worth flagging are David Sharp of Scotland and Adam Leek from Australia. Both recorded two 100+ averages during Stage One and arrive at Stage Two quietly dangerous. They may not be headline names, but this is the sort of form that can carry a player deep into the week.
European Q School: Strong Signals Early
Over in Germany, the current WDF World Champion Jimmy van Schie eased through on Day One and looked every bit one of the favourites to secure a Tour Card. Calm, efficient, and consistent — exactly what Q School demands.
Arno Merk and Teemu Harju, fresh from positive performances at Ally Pally, made light work of qualification too. Jeffrey de Zwaan showed signs of being close to his best again, and he’ll be hoping this is the week he earns a return to the Pro Tour after several years at that level.
Two players who have really caught the eye are Ricardo Ulrich and Roger Janssen. Both have looked in excellent form, and sometimes Q School is all about timing. They may well have picked the perfect moment to peak.
On to Stage Two
Stage One has done exactly what it always does: thinned the field, sharpened the focus, and set up four intense days ahead. Now comes the real test — consistency, nerve, and the ability to handle pressure when everything is on the line.
Over the next four days, we’ll find out who has what it takes to join the PDC Pro Tour.
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