Q School Preview 2025

For some reason, this is my favourite tournament of the year. I have had the pleasure of marking at several of these events, and it has a real buzz. There are players that have been there and done that, but looking to get back to the Pro Tour, and those that just want to chance their arm and see where it takes them. I remember a couple of years ago noticing Robert Grundy at Q School. Although he didn't qualify that year, I could tell he had the game to make it. And in 2024, he duly got his card. He was a player I'd never come across before and shows that you don't need prior PDC experience to make the Pro Tour.  

Q School is made up of two stages. Everyone, except for those that finished in the higher places on the Challenge Tour, and those that have just dropped out of the Pro Tour, will start in stage one. There are three stage one tournaments, If you make the quarter finals each day, then you automatically go through to stage two, Otherwise, you receive points for each win gained over the four days, (except for the preliminary round, which carry no points) . 

The players with the qualifying amount of points also go through to stage two. This number is based on the amount players already, automatically qualified for stage two. 

Finally stage two is played similar to stage one. There are a certain amount of Pro Tour places to play for  (usually between 10 and 15) and these are played over four competitions - one each day. 

The winner of each stage two competition automatically gets a Tour card, and the the remaining places are made up of points gained by players, by winning matches. This forms an Order of Merit and the top players also get a Tour card, based on amount of allocated spaces have been given. 

There are two Q School events. One in England, where British and Irish players contest, and one in Germany for the rest of Europe.  Players from outside of Europe, can play in either. 

So, here's my list of 10 to follow, at each location:

UK Q School

Daryl Pilgrim

I may have mentioned him before, but Daryl Pilgrim is a player that really should have a Tour Card. He was a little unlucky not to qualify for the PDC World Championships and has performed well enough on the Challenge Tour to play in several Pro Tour events in 2024. A consistently high performer, he has also performed well on the Modus Super Series, and 2025 could well be the year he finally breaks through.

Justin Hood

Another player that played several Pro Tour events in 2024. Justin Hood has been around for a number of years, and was fairly successful on the WDF Tour. On his day he is capable of beating anyone and showed this by winning a Challenge Tour event. He won't be far away.

Ted Evetts

Evetts has had an up and down year since losing his Tour card. He has, however, shown glimpses of his best in recent months. He has the ability to go far at Q School, and can draw on previous Pro Tour experience to help him push through. As a junior, he was unstoppable, so he will need some of that confidence back to make a return to the big time. 

Tom Sykes

Sykes didn't play as much on the Challenge Tour in 2024, instead opting for Modus Super Series and ADC events. Here, he was in dominant form and always in the running for a title. He has the game to compete well in Q School, and if he gets off to a good start, he will be in with a very good chance. 

Lee Cocks

Like Pilgrim and Hood (above), Cocks has had a fair amount of Pro Tour experience. He has also played on the Challenge Tour and Modus Super Series. He seems to enter every event he can, and is always a threat. He certainly wouldn't look out of place on the Pro Tour and will be a very tough opponent to face at Q School.

Mervyn King

Of the Pro Tour players that have dropped outside of the top 64, I feel Mervyn King has the best chance of bouncing straight back. He has had an incredible career to date and all of that experience will help a lot at Q School. He is still a quality player, and if he can play somewhere near his best for those few days at Q School, he will make a swift return to the top tier of darts.

Simon Whitlock

Like Mervyn King, Whitlock has all the attributes to bounce straight back to the Pro Tour. It seems almost impossible to believe that a player of Whitlock's talent has dropped out of the Main tour, but he has a fighting spirit and has been at the very top of World darts. He has a strong chance, if he gets of to a good start.

Shane McGuirk

The 2024 BDO World Champion definitely deserves a mention. A player that has performed well on the Challenge and Development Tours in the past, he has also been successful on the Modus Super Series. He seems to be on a good run of form and his confidence will be high. Certainly in with a great chance. 

Beau Greaves

I think it's impossible to rule out Beau Greaves, as she attempts Q School for the first time. She won her 3rd BDO Women's title recently and finished top of the Women's Order of Merit yet again. Beau also played in the Development Tour, where she finished in 8th place, despite not playing all events. She was also the top English player on the Order of Merit. If she doesn't get nervous, then she could have a real chance. 

Jarred Cole

I've put Jarred Cole into the mix as looking at the County averages, he is the top player in the Premier Division. That, surely, is a good form guide. Add to that his experience on the Modus stage and the Challenge and Development Tours, he will not be overawed by the Q School experience. On his day, he is capable of the standard required to play on the Pro Tour, and he may just get through. 

Euro Q School

Jimmy Van Schie

Van Schie is a player that deserves a place on the 2025 Pro Tour after a fantastic 2024. He performed well on the Challenge Tour, which gave him a few opportunities on the Pro Tour. He also performed well in the Modus Super Series and was usually favourite in the weeks he played. He went in to WDF World Championship as the hot favourite, although he surprisingly went out to Jarno Bottenberg in the third round. He is a very consistent performer and has a strong chance of qualification.

Andreas Harrysson

Representing Sweden, which has a rich history in darts, Harrysson can lead the country back to some former glories on the Pro Tour. He is a big scorer and has the experience now to get through Q School. He has had experience on the Pro Tour in 2024, which will have helped him a lot with confidence. He has also become a regular name on the Modus Super Series, where he has a very good record. I would be very surprised if he didn't make it on to the Pro Tour properly in 2025. 

Alexander Merkx

Alexander Merkx narrowly missed out in qualifying automatically from the Challenge Tour to the Pro Tour. He made a late run on the last weekend of the Challenge Tour, but just fell short. He played at the 2025 PDC World Championship, which would have give him a lot of confidence after beating Stephen Burton, before succumbing to Chris Dobey. He is another consistent player and will definitely be there or thereabouts come the final days of Q School. 

Stefaan Henderyck

Henderyck is a player that has been around Belgian darts for a long time, without breaking through. He is a consistent performer on the Challenge Tour, with 2024 being particularly successful. He made several quarter finals or better, including a runners-up spot. He always seems toget to the latter stages of any tournament he plays. This will be key, especially with the points system making up the Q School Order of Merit. Could be a surprise qualifier. 

Kai Gotthardt

Kai Gotthardt has had a great season, culminating with a PDC World Championship spot, where he beat Alan Soutar, but lost to Stephen Bunting. He is part of the ever growing wave of German players, and he has the game to make the Pro Tour. He has been consistent on the Challenge Tour and also played well in the Modus Super Series. He could be the sort of player that picks up a lot of points and qualifies without having to actually win a Q School event.  

Noa-Lynn van Leuven

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has spent much of 2024 splitting decisions, however I want to concentrate on the darts and her chances of qualifying for the PDC Pro Tour. Van Leuven has made history, by being the first player from the Women's Series to win a Challenge Tour event and went on the play in several Pro Tour events. She was unlucky at the PDC World Championship,losing to Kevin Doets, but showing she has the ability to play with the best. She could very well make it through.

Dominik Gruellich

I have high hopes for Dominik Gruellich at Q School. This young German player has shown great consistency on the Challenge and Development Tours. He is a big 180 hitter and his rankings don't really show his actual ability. He has been ultra consistent on the Development Tour especially, and is not that far behind Wessel Nijman and Niko Springer, who dominated this year. Not usually mentioned when German darts players are spoke about, but he will definitely be in with a great chance. 

Marvin van Velzen

Marvin van Velzen seems to have made the Modus Super Series his second home. He has taken to the event so well and performances have been incredible. Aside form that, he has performed solidly on the Development Tour, and is a player definitely on an upward trajectory.  He may go under the radar at Q School, which could help in his favour. He has the ability to qualify and his confidence will be sky high. 

Boris Krcmar

Boris Krcmar was one of the unfortunate players to lose their Tour card, by some outsiders performing particularly well at the PDC World Championships. He hadn't had the best of seasons, which doesn't really show the talent this player has. After all, he is a multiple Soft Tip World Champion. I think he is too good not to be on the Pro Tour and feel he will be straight back. It will be tough, of course, but he has the experience and talent to not let Q School get the best of him. 

Jarno Bottenberg

Jarno Bottenberg has caused a few surprises this year. He knocked Jimmy van Schie out of the WDF World Championship, but most impressively, he won the WDF Toto Dutch Open. That competition had several thousand entrants, and he came all the way through to take the title. It is one of the hardest titles in the world to win, so this shows he has some talent. He form on the Challenge Tour has been ok, without being fantastic, but he does show real glimpses of talent. He has good Modus Super Series experience too, which will only help. I would not be surprised if he goes close, or even qualifies at Q School. 

So there you are, a little summary of some players who could be making the Q School headlines. Stage One begins on Monday 6th January. You can follow the scores live at https://tv.dartconnect.com/

My Tournaments 18th and 19th December

 Practise has been going well at home. I'm much more relaxed and I'm finding more straight darts. I've also changed my points, which seems to be helping - I'm now using 41mm, which is giving me a little more room in the board. I was on shorter points for the recent tournaments, but will be using the longer ones for a big tournament on 28th December. 

Wednesday 18th Tournament Under 55 Average

I felt quite good going into this tournament and thought I could go deep if I finished well in my group. I started off well, scoring wise, hitting a 53 average. However my opponent hit a 60+ average, so I lost that 2-0. I wasn't worried, as the darts felt good. I had lots of chances in the second game, but blew my lead with bad doubles and lost 2-1. No panic yet, as I thought I had a good chance against my third opponent. I played solid darts and got a 2-1 win, although again, doubles were an issue. I knew I had to win my last game, and scored well. My opponent did let me off a few times, but I kept my nerve for once, to get a 2-0 win and qualify for the knockout stages. 

The dreaded nerves came into play in my last 16 game, I felt I could, and should, have won this, but I couldn't quite relax, and my opponent kept hitting solid scores, giving them first crack at the double each leg. I lost 2-0, but learned a lot in that game. And feel I can overcome these nerves. 

Stats: Avg 46.43: First 9 52.08: 100+ 7: 140+ 0: 180 0

Thursday 19th Tournament (Open)

I had quite a tough group, as is expected on a Thursday night, including former top 20 tour player, Steve Brown. I had chances in several games though, and just the doubles were affecting me. My scoring seems to be on the up, and as long as I can consistently hit good scores, I can give myself a little bit more time at the doubles. In one game I hit a 65 average, which is definitely where I would like to be consistently. Two of my games, I had real chances to win, but I didn't take my chances. As the levels are quite high on a Thursday, there isn't the luxury of missing doubles. But it was a good night and things felt good. 

Stats: Avg 50.07: First 9 50.97: 100+ 4: 140+ 2: 180 0

Players to follow in 2025

 With the emergence of so many young players plus the changing faces on the Pro Tour, 2025 promises to be an exciting year in darts. I expect more shock results and more different players putting their names on trophies. This will be across the board, from the Pro Tour, to the Women's Tour, Modus Super Series and further afield. It seems that we are in a real darts peak, with more and more opportunities for all ages to progress. 

The recent WDF World Championship has already showed the emergence of new talent, particularly in the Women's game, and there is a lot more to come. I've also added a few 'wild card' names to follow. They may not be world beaters just yet, but are interesting names to follow. 

So, here are 21 players to follow:

JDC Alumni

Ryan Branley

A product of the ever-expanding JDC Tour, Ryan Branley has had a breakthrough year. At 16 he is already making an impact in the darts world and he seems to be heading the large pack of young players ready to make an assault on senior darts. Branley played on the Development Tour several times in 2024 and more than held his own. He also made a very impressive Modus Super Series debut, making finals night. On top of that, he had a great JDC World Championship, winning the Luke Littler Legacy Trophy and the JDC World Cup, as part of the England team. I fully expect him to progress and grab even more headlines next year. 

Archie Self

The number one ranked JDC player. Archie Self is just 15 and been ripping the JDC apart. This feat is particularly amazing, as there are some incredibly talented players already in the JDC. He recently won the WDF World Boys Championship, beating top seed Jenson Walker, who himself is a player to look out for. Self has more to offer on the JDC and will be interesting to see if he can dominate again next year. Once he turns 16, he will no doubt be on the PDC Development Tour, and I look forward to see how he performs. Due to his age, surely he can only get better, which is a scary thought for his current peers, and the Pro Tour could be looking over their shoulders soon after. 

Tergel Kherelkhuu

At 14 years old, Tergel Kherelkhuu, is, perhaps, the most exciting prospect in darts. He is a natural talent and has been hitting incredible averages and competing with the best juniors from around the world. He made the semi-final of the JDC World Championship and the semi-final of the JDC World Cup representing Mongolia. If he can get the relevant backing and travel, he will only get better. Certainly one to keep an eye on. 

Chasing Beau!

Women's darts seems to be getting stronger every year. For a few years, there were 4 or 5 players that would usually be challenging for the tournament wins and latter stages. This has definitely changed. Although Beau Greaves is still considered that bit better than the other Women players, there are some pretenders to the throne emerging. 

Paige Pauling

The 2024 WDF World Girl's Champion, Pauling has gone from strength to strength this year. She has won pretty much all there is to win in Girls darts, and made a fantastic start to her Women's Series career, by making two semi-finals, at her first attempt. She doesn't seem to have any fear or nerves and is happy taking on anyone. With a bit more stage experience and Women's Series matches under her belt, a Women's Series title is beckoning and more!

Sophie McKinlay

At the recent WDF World Championships, McKinlay was a runner-up in both the Girl's and Women's Championships. She has been incredible on the Girls and WDF circuit and been a good foil for Paige Pauling. McKinlay has shown real class and seems to be improving all the time. It will be interesting to see if she opts to play on the Women's Series, as she would certainly be a contender.  Like Pauling, she has no fear and will not be long before she is challenging the very best

Gemma Hayter

Just my opinion, but I think she is the biggest rival to Beau Greaves, currently, even above Fallon Sherrock and Noa-Lynn van Leuven. Gemma has been playing for quite some time, but only began a serious challenge on the Women's Series in 2024. This year, she has won 2 Women's Series titles and made the semi-final or quarter final, on many occasions. She has been super consistent and has really broke through. She is considered a contender in each tournament she plays, and has shown real ability in front of the TV cameras. She has appeared on the Modus Super Series several times, making the finals night on one occasion, and in November she beat Fallon Sherrock 4-0 to take the ADC Tour Championship title, again aired on the Modus stage.  I can see 2025 being an even more successful year for Hayter. 

Development Tour Developers

The Development Tour seems to get stronger every year, and this year was certainly no exception. Some players coming through the ranks and performing well on the Challenge Tour and Modus Super Series, to name but a few. 

Dominik Gruellich

Another of the growing crop of players from Germany. Gruellich had a great season on the Development Tour, making mulitple quarter and semi-finals. Although he didn't win an event, it will only be a matter of time, and 2025 could be his year. He has been super consistent and finished 10th on the Development Tour Order of Merit. There is more to come from him and he will build on this year's performances. 

Niko Springer

This is one player that I expect to do big things in the PDC Tour next year. Again, a product of the fantastic German conveyor belt of darts talent. In essence, he went toe to toe with Wessel Nijman all season on the Development Tour. He has a great temperament and is a big scorer. Incredibly difficult to beat.  He was unlucky at times this year, with tournament performances, but he will be ready for 2025, and I expect him to match Wessel's achievements of this year, at the very least. 

Tavis Dudeney

I have been particularly impressed with Dudeney, particularly in the second half of this year. He made 2 Development Tour finals, winning one of them. He played on the Modus Super Series in November, and after a bad start, showed some real class. Although he didn't make the finals night, there was a lot to suggest he has a lot more to show. He seems to be one of those players that flies under the radar, but be assured he will be a familiar name very soon!

North American Hopes

The North American Tour (CDC) is continually growing, and we are getting to know more and more players. I'll be following this Tour (and others around the world quite closely on here), so will be a chance to spot some talent. 

Adam Sevada

 Adam Sevada is a name that has stuck out to me on a few occasions, so I digged a little deeper. In terms of his stats, I'm tempted to say he has been the best player on the CDC in 2024, ahead of the likes of Stowe Buntz and Leonard Gates. Although he didn't finish top ranked, I think 2025 could be his year, if he maintains his form from this year. He has experience in World Series events, so has played against the top players before. He could be a name that we start to see more of . Currently I'm unsure of his PDC Q School intentions, but he would certainly have a very big chance. 

Jason Brandon

If I'm honest, I didn't know a lot about Brandon until the recent WDF World Championship. I do now! He powered through to the semi final, beating former World Champion, Neil Duff, on his way. He was unlucky not to make the final, but will be given a huge amount of confidence going forward. I think he will challenge on the CDC Tour and will hopefully see him in more WDF and PDC World Series action. He may spring a few surprises. 

Jim Long

I suppose it depends on whether Jim Long will go to PDC Q School this year, as to where we will see him have most success. (I will be writing a Q School preview, so will include him there if applicable). Assuming he isn't, then I think we will see him have most success on the Modus Super Series. He seems very much at home on the Portsmouth stage, and I see more event wins and Champions week appearances coming his way. He will be looking to improve on the CDC Tour and I believe he will be challenging for the number one spot. 

Africa Emerging?

For quite some time, Devon Petersen as been the leading force in African darts, and has been instrumental in the game's emergence there. As the interest expands, so does the pool of players. And now it seems that African darts is starting to find its way. Hopefully 2025 raises its profile even more. 

Johan Geldenhuys

Geldenhuys is the real deal. He was unlucky not to qualify for the PDC World Championship, but that just gives him another year to get even better. He had mulitple wins on the African Continental Tour and won the 2024 African Continental Tour Grand Final. He will only get better and I hope he gets the invites needed to raise his profile, as he really has a lot of potential. 

Sarah Makanga

Sarah Makanga is a player I am very excited by. She has been, by far, the best African woman player this year. Hailing from Uganda, she is leading the charge of a crop of African players starting to get to grips with the game. Already there is a strong presence in neighbouring Kenya in Womens darts, and Uganda is not far behind. Makanga has already played in some WDF events and is currently ranked in the top 75. It would be great if she could get the funding to play on the Women's Series, as she could really start to challenge. Definitely keep your eye on her!

Hilton Klein 

In November Hilton Klein made history, buy becoming the first Botswanan player to pay in the Modus Super Series. Despite being the underdog, Klein equipped himself well and didn't look out of place. This is the sort of arena Klein needs to be playing at regularly, and I think he will grow in confidence after November's visit. He looked good enough to show there may be more to come and I will be following his progress closely. Outside of Modus, he may show on the African Tour and/or WDF, so he could be pushing for the higher rankings there. 

The Asian Growth

Paolo Nebrida

Nebrida had a fantastic 2024, when finishing third on the PDC Asian Tour Order of Merit. The standard on this tour continues to grow, so to finish so high, gives a very good indication that this player has talent. Nebrida has been on the World stage a few times and is getting more confident each year. I fully expect him to have a great 2025Asian Tour, but will be looking out for him on a wider global stage, when he gets the opportunity. 

Nitin Kumar

Nitin Kumar is representing the Indian subcontinent in the world of darts and perhaps the best player, currently, from that region. He finished 12th on the Asian Tour, which is no mean feat, considering he missed some tournaments due to travel restrictions. The usual Japan/Philippines domination of the Asian Tour could be shaken up in 2025, as Kumar looks to establish himself further. He had PDC World Cup experience and played on the PDC World Championship stage, so he already has a fantastic base to build on.

Tomoyo Goto

Those inside the sport have been speaking very highly of Goto of late. At 28 years old, he has a lot of experience behind him already. He represented Japan at the World Cup earlier this year, and has been a prolific contender on the Asian Tour, finishing 6th. He has a lot more to come and there could be a breakthrough in 2025.  His main routes to success still lie with the Asian Tour and World Series, but if he makes the most of his opportunities, we could be seeing a lot more of him soon. 

Rest Of The World

Nicole Regnaud

Hailing from New Zealand, Nicole Regnaud is an exciting prospect in Women's darts. At 25, she still has plenty of time to improve. Already she is the best female player in the Oceania area, and could make some very large dents in global darts. She has performed, primarily in Australia and New Zealand, but also appeared at WDF events, including the World Championships. She has already showed a huge amount of talent, and has huge potential to reach the very top. It would be great to see if should get to some Women's Series events, as she would perform well. 

Rashad Sweeting

This Bahamian player lit up the World Championship stage, with his enthusing attitude, but also his quality. He won a lot of new fans and put another country of the global darts map. With a bit of luck he will get invites to competitions and we will see a lot more of him. He has the ability to compete at the top, but needs that stage experience. I will certainly be keeping an eye on him and hope he can get those opportunities he deserves.

Sudesh Fitzgerald

I've added Sudesh Fitzgerald, as I think it will be interesting to see how this part of the world progresses, with Fitzgerald leading the way. Fitzgerald has played at the PDC World Championship in the past, but it was 2024 that saw a lift in his exposure. Guyana qualified for the second year in a row for the PDC World Cup, showing that the game is growing in popularity. Like Rashad Sweeting above,it would be great to see Fitzgerald get some invites to play in bigger competitions. I will be keeping an eye on the South American and Latin tour, and hopefully Fitzgerald will be a big part of this. 

Another Tournament, More Nerves

 So on 14th December, I played in an under 55 average tournament. The tournament had a larger field than my Wednesday Under 55 tournament, and the entry fee was higher, which lead to larger prize money. 

The tournament was split in 4 groups of 7, with the top 4 in each group progressing to the last 16. 

I felt comfortable warming up and have kept my new relaxed, and slightly quicker style.  First two games, I won with relative ease. I was hitting straight and scoring well. Doubles weren't too bad either. Then I had to play one of the favourites. 

I have no idea why it happens, but I then started to think. Rather than just throw, my mind became cloudy. It was as though I was telling myself  I couldn't win. Thing is, anyone can beat anyone at this level. I've beaten better players than him, but also lost to worse players. I should have just played my game, but my silly brain was having none it. Ok, I still had the comfort of winning my first 2 games, but didn't need the doubt entering. Second game was the same. I should have coped easily, but I started thinking and the trebles dried up. I lost that match too, and dropped down the group table.  Next game I did win, thanks to my opponent not being at their best. Results elsewhere all went against me, which meant i had to win my last game to progress. I could either finish 2nd in the group or 6th, such was the tight nature of our group. 

Knowing this, I felt nervous before I even started. I needed to play how I did in the first two games, but I was just getting more agitated as I wasn't hitting the scores I wanted. To be fair, my opponent played well, but a game I know, deep down, I should be winning.  I went out, finishing 6th on 6pts - the same points as the player that finished 2nd. It's a cruel game at times, but I need to fix myself quick. 

This week I will keep trying to shake the nerves. Will research more online and see what techniques I can pick up. It's so frustrating, as my game is going ok and practise at home is good ,but my mind switches on as soon as I start a competitive match. This is the part I need to sort out. There shouldn't be nerves at this level, more a case of enjoying the game. However, I need to keep telling myself that until it settles in. I really hope is does settle, and soon!

Saturday 14th Stats: Average 48.68 First 9: 52.98  100+ 9: 140+ 3: 180 0

ADC Global Championship Week 2 Preview

 The second. and final week ,of the ADC Global Championship starts today.  Last week saw Adam Lipscombe take the win, with Daryl Pilgrim, Bradley Brooks and Andy Boulton joining him for the Grand Final. 

The favourite for this week is the Dutch player, Marvin Van Velzen. He is a player that has really made is mark, particularly within the Modus Super Series set up, where he won Champions Week in September. He will prove a tough opponent and has the ability to qualify.

I'm a big fan of Gary Stone, but he does have a habit of not quite making the final stages. If he gets his game right, then he will have a very good chance of winning this week. It depends on whether he can get over the mental hurdles that he has had in the past. No doubt he is an amazing player though. 

Adam Mould and Joe Croft are specialists at ADC events. This is where they perform particularly well .They both have Challenge Tour experience too, and have done well on the Modus stage. They are consistent type players, who are difficult to beat. I don't think either of them have quite reached their potential, so they could both play a big role here. 

James Welding, Charlie Martin and Shane Hayward,are all very capable players and have all had experience on the Modus stage. I imagine one of these three will make it to finals night, at least. They are solid players, but can all be inconsistent. Hayward is probably the strongest of the three and will prove a tricky opponent. 

Devon Petersen at his best would easily qualify for the Grand Final, but so far this year, there have only been glimpses of it. He will need to get off to a good start, to build confidence. Then he may have a chance. If not, then it may be a very tough ask for him to qualify. 

James Bailey has been around for a long and played on the DPA Tour and BDO/WDF. He has also played twice at the PDC World Championships. He has to be respected, and his experience may help. Could be a dark horse, if he gets off to a good start.

The other three contenders, I admit, I have very little information on. Clearly they must be good players, to have made it this far, so can't be discounted. John Desreumaux, Ivan Springborg Poulsen, Donnt Scheurwater represent, perhaps, the 'wild card' contenders, but we will certainly know more about them by the end of the week. 

So in summary, I think Marvin van Velzen will be the player to beat. If Petersen finds form, then he has a real chance, as does Gary Stone. Mould and Croft will also have a say if they stay consistent. 

My Darts Tournaments 11th and 12th December 2024

 I'm in a bot of a limbo at the moment. I'm trying to deal with the mental side of the game. I'm happy with how I throw, stance, oche position etc but seem overthinking. I chatted to a few people over the two nights, and many have the similar problem of 'shutting off' and not thinking when throwing. I honestly believe my average would go up by 10 points if I could just switch off. So this is my focus for the next few weeks.

Wednesday 11th December 2024

A bit of an up and down night. In places I was throwing great, especially the first nine darts, but at times I got really nervous. This cost me in the last 16, where I was cruising, but then over-thought the finish. I would slow down quite a bit too, which is not really my natural game. In the group stages, I won 2 and lost 2. No arguments about the losses, as both players played well. The matches I won, were about right too. I just wish I could play with similar ease in the knockout stages. For a few weeks, I could do this and made back to back finals, but that part has started to fail me. The final was played with 60+ averages, so I need to up my game, although I'm assuming those 2 players may well be leaving the Under 55 tournaments soon!

Stats: Average: 46.37 First 9 56.24 100+ 5: 140+ 2: 180 0

Thursday 12th December 2024

This, as usual on a Thursday, was an Open tournament , so levels varied. My group was tricky, but doable. I avoided the top players, but my group was still filled with regular 60-70+ average players, so I knew I had to stay focussed. Sadly I didn't wake up in game one. I had opportunities in the first leg, but was sounded beaten by 17 darts in game two. The second game, was another where I had opportunities, but my nervy double thinking haunted me and I lost again. I started better in game 3, but my opponent is a regular 65+ player and he soon levelled and then won the match. My last game, however, was encouraging. I played my best darts and had chances. If I could keep throwing like that, then I'll be more than happy. Just need to fix my head!

Stats: Average: 49.25 First 9 48.15 100+ 2: 140+ 0: 180 0

PDC World Darts Championship 2025

This year's PDC World Championship promises to be one of the most exciting for quite some time. Over the season, particularly the latter part, there have been shocks and upsets, as a new crop of players emerge, and some of the stalwarts step up their game. 

The fact Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are in the same half of the draw, there's now an opportunity for those in the other half, with many believing they can go deep in the competition. 

I thought I'd pick 16 names out of the 96 competing and give a little rundown. 

I've split them into four groups of four: (Favourites, Contenders, Dark Horse, Wild Card)

Favourites:

Luke Humphries

The defending champion seems to be coming into form at just the right time. He beat Luke Littler in the recent Players Championship Final and seems to have an uncanny habit of pulling off wins, even when not at his best. I would go as far to say he is the best match play player in the world.  Having already won here, he will give have confidence in defending his crown. 

Luke Littler

An unbelievable first season on the Pro Tour. Littler has won a hat full of titles and goes from strength to strength. Although he had a 'dip' in form mid-season, he came back strong to take the Grand Slam title in emphatic style with incredibly consistent high averages. He will want to go one better than last year, and will take a huge amount of beating. 

Gary Anderson

Two time former champion, Anderson has avoided the two 'Lukes' in his half of the draw. His form this season has been top class, particularly on the Pro Tour floor events. He lost a thriller against Littler at the Grand Slam and was very unlucky to lose at the Players Championship, despite a 100+ average. The draw has been fairly kind, and he will hope to take full advantage. 

Michael van Gerwen

Another player that is in the opposite half to Littler and Humphries. Despite not winning a TV title this year, I think it would be foolish to write off Michael van Gerwen. He has a fairly nice draw, and then could potentially face Gary Anderson in the 4th round. That could be a crucial clash, as either player would then fancy their chances of making the final. MVG has been there before and that will count for a lot, especially in the early stages. He will want to make his mark and is definitely still in with a chance.

Contenders

Wessels Nijman

Wessels Nijman has had a fantastic first year on the Pro Tour, including winning a Pro Tour event. On the PDC Development he has been near unstoppable picking up multiple titles and was the 2024 Order of Merit winner. When on form, Nijman is a regular 100+ average player. His heavy scoring is a big part of his game, and if he can produce this at Alexandra Palace, then he has a very big chance. He has been unlucky in several big events, losing with incredible averages. The slight doubt, can be big stage experience, but if he overcomes the nerves, he is a serious consideration. 

Chris Dobey

On the Pro Tour floor events, Dobey has been very consistent and successful in 2024. So much so, that he finished top of the 2024 the Players Championship Order of Merit. Despite a poor Players Championship Finals, Dobey will come back ready to avenge last year's heartbreak when he let a 4-0 slip against Rob Cross. Dobey is a tough character and should be in the latter stages at least. 

Gian Van Veen 

Gian Van Veen has a tough quarter of the draw, but he will not be worried about that. He has gone from strength to strength this year and, at times, unplayable. He is a player capable of the big averages and has been getting more and more big stage experience. Winning the World Youth Championship last month will give him momentum. He will be tough to beat and could pose a problem. 

Mike De Decker

This has been somewhat of a breakthrough year for the Belgian player. Many in the game have already mentioned what a good floor player De Decker is, so it was whether this could be transform this to the TV stage. This year has proved he can, most memorably by winning the World Grand Prix in October, beating Luke Humphries. Many have dipped him to go far in this competition, and I wouldn't argue. He is a class act. 

Dark Horses

Martin Schindler

The German number one has a relatively kind draw. A player who still seems to be on the up can go deep into this competition. A solid player a regular on the TV stage these days, he may have a say in this competition. He avoids the favourites up to the quarter final stage and on his day can match anyone, so worth keeping an eye on. 

Daryl Gurney

Daryl Gurney had a great Players Championship, showing some of his old form as he made the last 16 and recording a 108 average in the first round against Peter Wright. Although he has struggled at points during the season, losing his World Cup spot, for example, he seems to be on the up again. The draw is reasonably nice for him, and could be potentially be up against players at a similar crossroads, such as Johnny Clayton, Joe Cullen and Gerwyn Price. I wouldn't surprise me at all to see him make the quarter finals at least. 

Dirk van Duijvenbode

 

A resurgence in form by van Duijvenbode in recent months, as brought him to the fore as a real prospect for the World Championships. His past two tournaments have been very solid and is proving a very difficult opponent, particularly on his own throw. He has a tough quarter, but no player would really want to be facing him. He is tenacious and focussed, and when things go his way can be unstoppable. I really look forward to seeing how he matches up against the more favoured players. He may just beat them all!

Nathan Aspinall

Aspinall has had a tricky year, with injury and dartitis. This has seen his ranking plummet and opportunity to play events restricted. However, there were signs of a recovery at the Players Championship Finals last month. Aside from last year, Aspinall performs well on this stage and he is a gritty player that will not give up. The draw is quite open in his quarter and he has a chance of making the later stages. If he gets that far, then he could spring a surprise, all the way to the final. 

Surprises

Dave Chisnall

We all know Chisnall is a quality player and a very heavy scorer. His form hasn't been quite up to last year's, and is sometimes overlooked when trying to predict tournament winners. However, at his best, Chisnall can match anyone, especially with his propensity to hit 180s for fun. The draw looks ok for him, and he could forge a path through to the latter stages. From there who knows. Could be a big price finalist?

Danny Noppert

Like Chisnall above, there is no doubt of Noppert's quality. However he does have a tough quarter of the draw, with players including Luke Littler, Gian Van Veen and Rob Cross as potential opponents. What Noppert has in his armoury is composure and consistency. If his opponents are not at their best, Noppert will look to pounce on this. This year the form book has been ripped up and there is a chance that a few shock results may play into Noppert's hands. 

Niko Springer

This might seem like a long shot, and maybe it is due to lack of  big stage experience ,but I have been fortunate enough to have marked a few of his matches. Springer has been fighting Wessel Nijman all year on the PDC Development Tour, and has not been far away. Many are tipping Nijman for a big run at Alexandra Palace, so I believe Springer may also cause a few problems. He does have a tough quarter in the draw, but he is the sort of player that can hit 100+ averages regularly. If he keeps his nerve, any opponent should be wary. Amazingly he is 500/1. I'm definitely having a few pennies on him!

James Wade

James Wade has a wealth of World Championship experience, so should not feel the pressure. He has hit patches of great form and just needs to do that here. He is in the same quarter of the draw as Luke Humphries, so that will be tough, however Wade will not be overawed by any player. He may need to step up his averages a notch, but if Humphries does fall early, Wade could be there to pounce and go on a run.