Seven Darts Stars Could Lose PDC Tour Cards Including Seven-Year Veteran
There are seven darts stars in danger of losing their PDC Tour cards, including a seven-year veteran.
With the World Championships just two months away, concerns are building among players, who are uncertain about whether they can secure a tour card for 2026.
The PDC Tour card system is based on a player's performance across a two-year period.
It starts from the first ranking tournament of the year, which is usually held in February, through to the conclusion of the World Championships in early January.
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A player's standing in the PDC Order of Merit is determined by the total amount of prize money they have earned over that period.
At the top, Luke Humphries currently leads the PDC Live Order of Merit.
Although reigning world champion Luke Littler is expected to claim the world number one spot by the end of the year.
At the other end of the table, several players are fighting to stay within the top 64.
It is crucial for darts players, as it means they automatically secure a tour card.
Players outside the top 64 must return to qualifying school to try and reclaim their card.
With limited opportunities to return to the PDC Tour and a lot of opportunities, it is notoriously difficult to return.
According to the Post World Championship Order of Merit, seven players who have held a tour card for three years or more are now in danger.
Jose de Sousa, a seven-year cardholder, is currently 86th.
The 51-year-old has a rich history, having won the 2020 Grand Slam of Darts and finishing runner-up in the 2021 Premier League Darts.
Florian Hempel, ranked 67th, has been on the tour now for five years, but has never progressed past the third round at the Alexandra Palace.
Matt Campbell sits on the cusp with a ranking of 64.
The Canadian, a four-year tour card holder, recorded his best major performance at the 2022 Players Championship Finals, exiting in the last 16.
Welshman Jim Williams, also a four-year cardholder, may lose his card as he sits 79th in the Order of Merit.
He has never gone beyond the fourth round of a PDC major.
Other players are in danger after three years on the tour, including Rob Owen (63rd), Stephen Burton (66) and Dylan Slevin (73).
With just over two months remaining to improve their rankings, the pressure is on for players to secure their tour card for 2026.
Topics: Darts, Luke Littler
James Taylor