PDC Q School 2012 Review, by The Suit
Posted on January 23rd, 2012
See The Suits Q School Preview here.
Q School, the Review
After an attritional 4 days in Barnsley, congratulations to all those who have claimed a PDC tour card, whether the 16 automatic or the additional 24 from the order of merit.
The huge interest and increased attendance in this years event was more than justified, winning a card has even been compared to winning a major! The scoring system was improved and the removal of any advantage/disadvantage for a bye seemed to prove a success. Securing early victories was paramount though as points were only awarded from round 3 onwards!
Well, as we looked at the interesting make up of the tournament before it began, lets have a look at how our player groups and ones to watch fared…
The Names
The names did not start well and were targets for everyone, and perhaps less likely to win just because of who they were, Peter Manley went down fighting to John Bowles in a repeat of their UK Open clash but never troubled the later rounds. Chris Mason was dismissed by Tony West on day one and never got into his stride until a brief last day rally. Despite a late win over Chris, Peter Evison never looked in contention and it would appear that it may be time for the former greats to acknowledge that time has passed them by, or perhaps adopt the same approach some of the newer players are employing. Messers Warriner-Little, Mardle & Fordham did not even make the starting line, for various reasons.
The Tale of Two Cities
The outfits from Stoke and Oxford had a great spell with two qualifiers for Stoke ; Daz Whittingham and Gareth Pass and one for Oxford; Johnny started well before falling away. A cracking performance overall from both sets of lads, even the supporters were of top quality with Dennis Smith backing up his Oxford/Swindon muckers. Ian White was also in attendance supporting the Stoke posse, however yours truly remained neutral and cheered on both! In addition to their qualifiers, several young or newer players performed with distinction and really gave it their best efforts. Oxford just had the upper hand in this area, with Martin Perring and Ian Moss mounting strong challenges on their best days and proving very unlucky in the end. Overall honors to Stoke though, two qualifiers neither of whom could be counted amongst the big names was a great performance.
The Second Chancers
Of the guys in this group many gave good accounts of themselves, but overall seemed to take a while to get going. Nik Fulwell got off to a fine start and finished well to claim a card, Kev Dowling struggled for consistency whilst Wayne Atwood fell victim to external matters ensuring his incomplete effort. A look at the tables tells its own story here, the comfortable existence of the top 64 darter is over, Andy Relf and Dave Ladley both had good runs but could not complete the job. Rocky Jenkins and Steve Grubb did extremely well to grab a card on the final day, but will have to get used to new company next year!
The Young Uns
Jamie Lewis going on a tremendous run to the last 16 on day one and then all the way on day four was nothing short of incredible. Co Stompe Jnr, Adam Hunt, Chris Aubrey, Jamie Atkins, James Young and many others all scored points and gave themselves chances. However as feared dealing with both pressure and expectation proved a tough ask for some. James Thompson at just 16 scoring 3 points and gaining some fine wins was a highlight. Liam Kelly and Keegan Brown can be added to the list of dangerous young ones, new and fearless they grabbed cards in determined style.
The Class of 2011
Mixed stuff from this class, Matt Edgar was strong for three days ensuring he would gain a card with relative ease whereas others such as The Postman, Andy Hutchings suffered. Matt Padgett opted to go to Australia after days one & two rather than ruin a long held plan and ambition. So a tough session for this group other than Mr Edgar none really shined at the second time of asking.
The BDO
Of those who made the switch to test their metal, the pressure was mostly on Dean Winstanley, the former Lakeside runner up got off to a solid start but fell at a tough first hurdle. Pat Pace may look about 70 but he can throw like Phil Taylor when he wants to and secured a 6-5 over Dean, with an 11 dart leg in the decider. The West brothers performed as many had expected and claimed automatic cards in some style, with Dean going on to achieve his card on day three. Although not a celebrity switcher Andrew Gilding then claimed a card in very impressive style. However the tale of the weekend must be former lakeside world champion Les Wallace, looking for three days as if he had made a huge mistake and then bang, going on a run to the last 8 and claiming a card from nowhere! McDanger as he is known will be a great addition to the PDC tour.
The Dark Horse
We spotted well here folks, our two candidates are off to a flying start, both gaining tour cards and setting out their stalls to get in amongst the big boys as soon as possible. Congratulations to Johnny Haines and Gareth Pass and good luck to you for the next 12 months.
Q School has again proven to be a superb event, much the same as 2011 in terms of a good competitive and friendly atmosphere, but different due to the ever improving standard. Nothing short of pure grit is required to win 36 out of a possible 66 legs of the highest quality to gain an automatic card!
I hope any aspiring darter considers competing in the 2013 event, and prepares accordingly this year for the challenge ahead.
Tags: Lets Play Knockout Darts, PDC Darts, PDC Qualifying School, Q School 2012, Q School Review
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