Following The Littler Effect - Is It Possible To Get A Greaves Effect?

The PDC Challenge Tour began this month and it was clear who the headline maker was. It was, of course, Beau Greaves, who won two of the five events.  If that wasn't impressive enough, she was top, or thereabouts in the stats, over the five events:

Average 92.70   1st

180%      6.1      2nd

140+ %    21      1st

Checkout %  40  5th

This is out of over 300 players. Basically she is the top performer outside of the Pro Tour thus far. 

This was no surprise, of course, as Greaves has been playing close to this level for a few years now. Dominating the Women's game and picking up three WDF World titles, to date. She's had appearances on the Men's TV stage, in the Grand Slam and a PDC World Championship, but it seems that this year something is different. It seems that Greaves is up for the next challenge. 

This started at Q School, where she narrowly missed out. She was very competitive and would have been no surprise if she qualified for the PDC Pro Tour. This may have been a blessing in disguise. Rather than being thrown straight into the Pro Tour, she has the opportunity to play in Pro Tour events, where spaces have become available, due to Pro Tour players dropping out. This is a regular occurrence and gives the Challenge Tour players a chance to play on the Pro Tour, without the full committal. The players are selected based on Challenge Tour Order of Merit points. So, for example, if three players drop out of a Pro Tour event, the top three would be invited to play. Sometimes the Challenge Tour players decline, and players from fairly far down the rankings get the chance. Last year, for example, players from positions as low as 35-40, got a place.

With Greaves at the top of the Order of Merit, she will no doubt get an invite to at least one of the early Pro Tour events. She could make waves here, which would get extra media attention and maybe, just maybe, start a snowballing effect in the Women's game.

With social media growing all the time, this could be the time for the Women's game to hit the spotlight.  When Lisa Ashton qualified for the Tour, social media was not so prevalent, so perhaps,the inspiration factor wasn't quite there. However social media has exploded and achievements of all kinds are plastered all over the internet. 

When Luke Littler made is breakthrough in 2024, the internet followed. This in turn led to darts being a big thing. Young players have been taking up darts and the demand from spectators is larger than ever. 

Now Beau Greaves is becoming more and more familiar with darts fans and the media, will this hook in the young players, who want to emulate her and her achievements. I'd go as far a saying a role model even. Young female players have someone to look up to. Because Greaves is young too, she is more relatable, same with Littler. The sponsors and marketeers are not all over Greaves just yet, but maybe if she performs well on the Pro Tour and gets on the TV more, this opportunity will arise. 

I really hope this happens. Even if she got just 10% of the coverage Littler has had, then this could really expand things in the Women's game. Hopefully this will encourage young female players to take up the game and achieve what Greaves is achieving currently. As the young players come through, the current players will step up too and this could increase the standard markedly. 

There are some players already in the Women's Series challenging perennial performers such as Fallon Sherrock, Lisa Ashton and Deta Hedman. Kirsi Viinikainen won the recent Modus Womens Week, which was on TV (albeit a small channel). Gemma Hayter has been right up there in the Womens Series in 2024 and has also performed well on the Modus stage. Robin Byrne from Ireland has the potential to improve somewhat and Rhian O'Sullivan is no stranger to 100+ averages. And there are a host of names just behind them. 

Then there are the young players Paige Pauling and Sophie McKinlay, who are leading the way for the new wave of Junior graduates. The JDC players are already looking up to them!

I think there is a massive gap in the market to promote the Women's game. Viewing figures will increase if we are more aware of the players. That comes from more media exposure, so people start to talk about them. More exposure will also generate mote money into the Women's game, which in turn, creates more interest. 

The Women's Series is still very new, so shouldn't be compared to the other Tours just yet. The PDC just need to recognise that there is huge potential here and support it whole heartedly. The number of competitors will increase, and with Beau Greaves showing just what women players can do, then I am hopeful that this largely untapped area of darts will blossom. 

Finally, this piece isn't meant to take anything away from other pioneers of the Women's game (some of whom are mentioned above), but just wanted to highlight the opportunity that there currently is to get young female players into the game and make the Women's game more noticeable, and therefore more competitive and appealing to the wider public. 

Q School Top Performers 2025

 

Q School is over, so here is an overview of the top performers. 

I have created my own Performance Model called PDB. This gives scores to performance in various areas. It aims to show who is playing well, and in time, who is likely to win or improve. (Maximum score is 800)

The PDB scores for Q School are as follows:

UK

Bradley Brooks       500

Jim Long                 400

Shane McGuirk      320

David Pallett           240

Paul Rowley            220

Mervyn King          220

Beau Greaves         220

Scott Waites           200

EU

Viktor Tingstrom                 740

Kai Gotthardt                      420

Maik Kuivenhoven              400

Jeffrey de Zwaan                 380

Stefaan Henderyck              320

Karel Sedlacek                     260

Gilbert van der Meijden     160

Stefan Bellmont                   140

Daniel Bauerdick                140

In terms of qualifying for Q School, there were two stand out performers in the UK with Bradley Brooks and Jim Long performing well across all areas.  The rest of the field was quite even. There doesn't seem a particular area that would help a player qualify. The best 180 hitters were not the best checkout players for example. This is why the top end of the UK Order of Merit was so close. Bradley Brooks seemed a cut above, but after that, it really was a lottery. Other factors such as nerves or feeling on the day seemed to be a bigger factor. 

This bodes well for the Challenge Tour, as there doesn't seem to be a clear favourite, especially from a UK point of view

In the EU Q School, things seemed a little different. Viktor Tingstrom was the stand out player. He came top in several categories. Then came 3 other qualifiers, suggesting there were more stand out players in the EU tournament at the top end. Jeffrey de Zwaan performed well across the board, so maybe he will have a good Challenge Tour season. 

It will be interesting to see how the year goes on the Main Tour and whether the players will play according to their early promise. Will Bradley Brooks and Viktor Tingstrom perform better than other qualifiers? 

Qualifiers:

UK: Day Winners

Tom Bissell

Justin Hood

Tavis Dudeney

Jim Long

Order of Merit Qualifiers

Bradley Brooks

Darryl Pilgrim

Greg Ritchie

Adam Lipscombe

Adam Paxton

Cam Crabtree

Adam Warner

Andy Boulton

Thomas Lovely

EU:Day Winners

Viktor Tingstrom

Kai Gotthardt

Dennie Olde Kalter

Maik Kuivenhoven

Order of Merit Qualifiers

Cor Dekker

Pero Ljubic

Karel Sedlacek

Oskar Lukasiak

Tytus Kanik

Rusty-Jake Rodriguez

Dominik Gruellich

Stefaan Henderyck

Maximilian Czerwinski

Max Hopp

Leon Weber

Marvin van Velzen

Highest Average UK                                                   Highest Average EU

Bradley Brooks                                                           Maik Kuivenhoven

Jim Long                                                                      Jeffrey de Zwaan

Paul Rowley                                                                Kai Gotthardt

180%  UK                                                                   180% EU

Shane McGuirk                                                          Viktor Tingstrom

David Davies                                                               Maik Kuivenhoven

Jim Long                                                                     Jeroen Mioch

Check Out % UK                                                      Check Out % EU

Christian Perez                                                          Viktor Tingstrom

Carl Wilson                                                                 Kai Gotthardt

Mervyn King                                                              Gilbert van der Meijden

Legs Won % UK                                                          Legs Won % EU

David Pallett                                                                 Viktor Tingstrom

Bradley Brooks                                                             Daniel Bauerdick

Scott Waites                                                                  Stefaan Henderyck

My thoughts on a different way to allocate automatic Pro Tour spots.

With Q School nearly finished, it got me thinking about the spots that are automatically given to players on the Pro Tour. For the last decade, at least, it has been a case of going through Q School, or getting an automatic spot by finishing in the top 2 of the Challenge and Development Tours. However I think there could be better ways of doing this, Only my opinion, of course, but darts is an ever expanding sport and there may be room for change, which would expand the game globally, as well as making the secondary tours more relevant. I also feel that the PDC would benefit from this, as the numbers of participants across all tours should increase. 

I would definitely keep Q School in its current format, however, the number of qualifiers would be slightly less. 

Currently the top 2 in the Challenge Tour and Development Tour gain a place. I agree with that. the best players over a whole year should get a card. However to make these tours more relevant, I would have a final qualifier at the end of the year. I would also include the Women's Series in this too. 

So, I would say positions 3-30 on the Challenge and Development Tours, along with the top 8 on the Womens Series play a final one-off tournament of 64 players. The finalists of this would get a card. It would be like a pre-Q School, for those that have played particularly well, an extra chance if you like. 

This, I think, would create much more interest in the secondary tours. For example, the numbers dwindle significantly as the year progresses on these tours. In particular the last couple of events. From a PDC point of view, there's extra entry money that can be made. Players lower down the rankings would now have a chance at a card, without having to go to Q School, so more likely to attend more events.  It also gives a chance for the Womens game to progress, with 8 women given a chance for a tour card, rather than 1 or 2.

The PDC is growing more and more global, and I think this could also be reflected with automatic Tour cards. The standard of the Asian, North American and Oceania darts tours is increasing - in particular in Asia, where they showed what they can do at the 2025 PDC World Championships. With Q School operating in Europe, it makes it so difficult for those further afield to qualify. The World Series helps with highlighting these parts of the world, but doesn't help in terms of getting players from these areas on the Main Tour.  

I would suggest that the winners of the Asian and North American (CDC) Tours get an automatic card. If that was this year, then Alexis Toylo and Leonard Gates would represent. They would both be a welcome addition, and more than capable of competing .

Then in Oceania, the winners of the DPA Australian Tour and DP New Zealand Tour have a play-off for another automatic card. This would have been Joe Comito or Mark Cleaver

The need for more automatic global places on the Pro Tour can only improve the event and create interest. Areas like South America are pretty much untouched. Africa is growing and needs more exposure, as does the Middle East, with countries like Bahrain,Egypt and UAE all developing. 

The PDC is the World lead in an every increasing sport and would be great if they could see beyond the UK and Europe. Fingers crossed they will. 

So, I would like to see five automatic spots added. It wouldn't make that much of difference to the amount of overall qualifiers from Q School. What it would add is more interest all season on the secondary tours, and also bring the Main Tour to the rest of the world. 

Special Discount Offer!

 To celebrate Q School and the growth of my site, www.dartwarehouse.com have kindly sent me my own special discount code to share with you. 

Simply quote Q-School10 on any product for a 10% discount on any product. 

Having a look at their site, they have a massive range of darts and products and I highly recommend them.  Please take the time to check out for yourself. 

Hopefully I will have more offers and giveaways in the near future!

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 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. 

What Opportunities Are Out There For Darts Players? (Part One)

 Having read a poster online about some events the PDC host, it got me thinking about what events in general are out there. From total amateurs, to those wishing to progress to the top ranks, and in between. 

So the pinnacle, I think it's fair to say, is the Pro Tour. Most aspiring players would like to play at this level. The prize money is the highest here, as is TV exposure and the potential to be a full time professional darts player. 

As far a I can see, there are 6 routes to get there. 

1. Q School - This is the simplest way to get to the Pro Tour. The event is open to absolutely anyone, regardless of their ability. The only stipulation is that you must be 16 years old or over to enter.  Every year around 10-15 spots are available at each of the two venues. One in the UK and one in Germany.  There are two stages. Most start in stage one, and if they win enough games over 3 days, or make the quarter final of each day's competitions, then you go through to stage 2. Then in stage 2, will be those that have just lost their Tour card, plus those that have performed well in the Challenge Tour and Development Tour Order of Merits.  Either win one of the 4 stage 2 events, or win enough games over the stage 2 events and you qualify. I've made that seem very easy, which clearly it's not, but you only have to be at your best for 7 days, rather than over a whole season. Any player not receiving a Tour card, can play on the Challenge Tour and try that route. 

2. Challenge Tour - There are a couple of routes via the Challenge Tour. The most straightforward, is to finish in the top 2 positions on the Order of Merit table and the place is yours. The second, which has happened several times, is to win or perform well at tournaments on the Pro Tour. If a player pulls out of a Pro Tour (floor) event, then the next places are offered based on your position on the Challenge Tour. Many Challenge Tour players played, last season, on the Pro Tour, with some performing particularly well. Some players have accumulated enough prize money to make the top 64 in the Pro Tour, and therefore, an automatic place. Connor Scutt did just that this year  By taking chances on the Pro Tour also gives players a chance to qualify for the Players Championship Finals, which has a larger prize pot and TV exposure. By Scutt qualifying automatically, Christian Kist benefitted from finishing 3rd on the Challenge Tour Order of Merit and was awarded a Pro Tour Card.

3. Development Tour - This tour is designed for players  aged between 16-24. Unlike the Challenge Tour, there are no places offered to on the Pro Tour, for those performing well during the season. The reason for this, is that players on the Pro Tour are allowed to enter, as long as they are not ranked in the current top 32 on the Pro Tour order of Merit. So, for example Luke Littler couldn't play due to his rank, but Wessel Nijman and Keane Barry could, as they were lower ranked. The top 2 on the Order of Merit get a Tour card, however, if the top two contains a player already with a Tour card, then it goes to the next place. Due to this, the player in 5th place, Sebastian Bialecki, was awarded a card.

4. UK Open - Another competition open to any player over the age of 16. There are several qualifying events held around the UK, where the prize for winning an event, is to play at the UK Open. If a qualifier is good enough, they can progress through the rounds and even appear on TV, where the prize money is sizeable. The other benefit of the UK Open, is that,from the 3rd round onwards, the draw is random, so you could avoid certain players and make a run deep into the competition. A win, or runner-up position, may be good enough for automatic qualification for Tour card, based on the Order of Merit. Sounds a bit of a 'Hail Mary', but amateur players have progressed well here in the past, such as Rob Cross and Graham Hall. 

5. World Championships - Again, this is a long shot, but a decent run here could earn enough to be placed in the top 64 on the Order of Merit. However you would still have to wait until the next year, before you can play on the Pro Tour properly.  If you did win or was runner- up, then there will be other opportunities such as the Grand Slam. This is a route that is probably more applicable to non-UK and European players, as it gives a chance, albeit slim, to qualify for the Pro Tour, without having to relocate or constantly travel. I'm unaware that this has happened in the past, but there is a lot of quality around the world, and a surprise is possible. 

6. World Series -  A possible route for non-UK players, in the same kind of vein as the UK Open and World Championships. Players from the particular country, in which the World Series event is held, can qualify to play in the tournament proper. Some players have performed quite well, none more so than Damon Heta, who won an Australian Series. Although the World Series is unranked, there is opportunity for invitation places for other events, which can help towards Order of Merit prize money. 

So, these are the routes in order to join the PDC Tour. Players will need quite a lot of good fortune, and bags of ability, however many have made the grade and moved on to become top players in the world.

I will continue this with other routes into winning prize money and TV appearances, without having to go through the PDC. 

Dartsasylum And My Home Venue

 These are basically the same. 

My home venue is the Browns Bar, based in Kingswood, Bristol.  Bristol has a wealth of opportunities for darts players of all standards and experience. There are many leagues in the area, and even more within a few miles radius of Bristol itself. So if you are in the area, there is an abundance of tournaments and leagues to play in. 

One of the best venues, (and I know i'm biased!) is Browns Bar. This is a bar that has also has its own bespoke darts function room. It has four boards and has competitions everyday apart from on Sundays (currently). I play Wednesdays and Thursdays and sometimes Saturdays. 

The venue is also to three exciting junior academies. And already the signs are looking good, with several players performing well on the JDC tours. It does help that one of the people responsible for setting up the academies, (as it is his bar),  is Steve Brown, the chairman of the JDC, so the passion and appetite for youth darts is clear to see. 

The standard of play is also very good too and various pros or ex pros have visited the venue to try their hand. Names such as Mark Dudbridge, Danny Lauby, James Richardson, Dom Taylor are just a few of the players that have frequented tournaments here. 

One of the new additions to the venue is the Dartsasylum shop. There's a large stock of darts and accessories available and a practise board too. The addition of the website www.dartsasylum.com means that you can order online and receive, or pick up the order in quick time. Have a look and see what you think