Major darts rule change branded ‘ridiculous’ forward of Luke Littler remaining
The Professional Darts Corporation has announced a major Tour Card rule change for Q School, with the last two players each day now receiving cards instead of just the winner
A significant new regulation has been unveiled before the World Darts Championship final featuring Luke Littler and Gian van Veen. This Saturday night, the duo will battle it out, with Littler looking to defend his crown after winning the title for the first time last year.
The 18-year-old triumphed over Ryan Searle 6-1 in the semi-finals on Friday, whilst Van Veen overcame Gary Anderson 6-3 to secure his maiden World Championship final appearance. The winner will pocket a record-breaking £1million in prize money.
Additionally, the organisation has also announced the schedule for hopeful darts players to try and secure a Pro Tour Card via Q School. Justin Hood, who has become a new crowd favourite at Alexandra Palace, made it through in the most recent group of UK Q School candidates.
The UK Qualifying School is staged in Milton Keynes, whilst the European competition takes place in Kalkar, Germany from January 5 to 11. However, one regulation amendment has caused uproar amongst supporters.
According to section 5.2 of the PDC Ranking Rules, it declares: “Tour Cards shall be awarded to the last two players of each day’s play in Final Stage at both the UK and European Q School.”
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) states: “Once a player has been awarded a Tour Card they shall not play in the remainder of Q School Final Stage and the next highest ranked players from the relevant First Stage Ranking List will be invited to play.
“Players from this First Stage Ranking List may also be used to top up the field for Final Stage to 128 players in the event of any withdrawals to ensure a full field for each day.”
Prior to this alteration, only the winner of the day was awarded a Tour Card. This shift has ignited a debate on social media, with one fan expressing: “Ridiculous idea. In what way will this improve the standard of the pro tour?”.
Another chimed in: “What’s the point in playing a final then,” while a third questioned: “Whose bright idea was that?”
Another supporter stated: “They make a positive change by topping up to 128 each day and then go and spoil it by doing that.”
The PDPA outlined a series of additional modifications to its Qualifying School rules:
- Each First Stage play to 16 qualifiers each day.
- Each Final Stage plays to two winners each day.
- Final Stage winners will be replaced by the next in line from the First Stage tables such that there are 128 players each day allowing points to be awarded for wins in the last 128.
- Players losing their Tour Cards may choose to take Challenge Tour
- Only status rather than compete at Q School.
- Eight highest eligible players from each Affiliate Tour earn free entry with the highest exempted to Final Stage.
