Arno Merk, Arron Monk and Jamie Hughes were among the first 32 players to book their places in the Final Stage of PDC Qualifying Schools, as First Stage action got underway on Monday.

Day One of the 2026 PDC Qualifying Schools saw competition begin simultaneously in Milton Keynes and Kalkar, with more than 900 hopefuls battling for the chance to secure PDC Tour Cards and earn a place on the circuit for the next two years.

First Stage, which runs from January 5–7, features players from around the world competing to advance to the Final Stage, where Tour Cards will be contested from January 8–11.

World Championship performer and PDC Europe Super League winner Merk was one of the standout names to progress, producing a flawless start by winning four consecutive matches to guarantee his passage through.

Former World Youth Champion Monk also impressed, securing his spot in the Final Stage after navigating a tough route that included a victory over three-time World Champion John Part.

Experienced campaigner Hughes, a former European Tour title winner, joined the list of qualifiers after sealing his own progression, alongside talented Irish contender McGuirk.

Several other notable names also advanced on the opening day, including Dutch prospect Jimmy van Schie, Croatian World Cup representative Romeo Grbavac, and PDC Nordic & Baltic Champion Teemu Harju.

The First Stage spans three days, with the last 16 players from each day automatically qualifying for the Final Stage. The remaining places – in a 128-player Final Stage field at each venue – are determined via a Ranking List, where one point is awarded per match win.

If players finish level on points at any stage of Qualifying School, ties are broken using leg difference, legs won, and DartConnect averages, ensuring the finest of margins decide who keeps their Tour Card dream alive.

Source: PDC.TV