A brand new rule has been introduced by the Skilled Darts Company (PDC) for the 2026 season.
A significant new rule has been introduced forward of the World Darts Championship ultimate between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen. On Saturday night, the pair will go head‑to‑head, with Littler aiming to retain his title this yr.
The 18‑yr‑previous beat Ryan Searle 6–1 within the semi‑finals, whereas Van Veen defeated Gary Anderson 6–3 to achieve his first World Championship ultimate. The winner will take dwelling a file £1million in prize cash. In the meantime, the organisation has additionally confirmed the dates for aspiring darts gamers to aim to earn a Professional Tour Card by means of Q Faculty.
Justin Hood, a brand new fan favorite at Alexandra Palace, certified within the newest batch of UK Q Faculty recruit. The UK Qualifying Faculty takes place in Milton Keynes, whereas the European occasion is held in Kalkar, Germany from January 5 to 11.
However one rule change has sparked controversy amongst followers. Beneath part 5.2 of the PDC Rating Guidelines, it states: “Tour Playing cards shall be awarded to the final two gamers of every day’s play in Last Stage at each the UK and European Q Faculty.”
The Skilled Darts Company (PDC) provides: “As soon as a participant has been awarded a Tour Card they shall not play within the the rest of Q Faculty Last Stage and the subsequent highest ranked gamers from the related First Stage Rating Record will probably be invited to play.
“Gamers from this First Stage Rating Record may be used to prime up the sector for Last Stage to 128 gamers within the occasion of any withdrawals to make sure a full area for every day.”
Justin Hood grew to become a fan favorite on the Ally Pally (Picture: Getty)
Earlier than this variation, solely the winner on any given day obtained a Tour Card. The change has sparked debate on social media, with one fan saying: “Ridiculous concept. In what manner will this enhance the usual of the professional tour?”
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One other added: “What is the level in taking part in a ultimate then,” whereas a 3rd questioned: “Whose vivid concept was that?” One other fan, mentioned: “They make a constructive change by topping as much as 128 every day after which go and spoil it by doing that.”
The PDPA famous a collection of different adjustments to its Qualifying Faculty guidelines:
- Every First Stage play to 16 qualifiers every day.
- Every Last Stage performs to 2 winners every day.
- Last Stage winners will probably be changed by the subsequent in line from the First Stage tables such that there are 128 gamers every day permitting factors to be awarded for wins within the final 128.
- Gamers shedding their Tour Playing cards might select to take Problem Tour
- Solely standing moderately than compete at Q Faculty.
- Eight highest eligible gamers from every Affiliate Tour earn free entry with the best exempted to Last Stage.
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