Rhys Griffin, Adam Leek, Arno Merk and Filip Bereza became the first players to secure PDC Tour Cards at the 2026 Qualifying Schools, delivering standout performances on Thursday across Milton Keynes and Kalkar.
Griffin, who lost his Tour Card at the end of 2025, made an immediate return to the professional ranks by triumphing at UK Qualifying School. The 28-year-old Welshman began his day with victories over Kelvin O’Keefe, Shane McGuirk and Steve Lennon, before overcoming Derek Coulson in the quarter-finals. Griffin then sealed his comeback in emphatic style, whitewashing former Grand Slam champion Scott Waites to become the first Tour Card winner in Milton Keynes.
Australian Adam Leek soon followed, edging Tyler Thorpe in a dramatic last-leg decider that featured eleven straight holds of throw. Leek impressed throughout the day, defeating Jonathan Kavanagh and Dylan Slevin before navigating a series of tense matches against Nathan Potter, Aden Kirk and Steve Beaton. The Adelaide-born star completed his run by overcoming Thorpe to earn two years on the PDC circuit.
In Kalkar, Arno Merk continued his rise after a strong showing at the PDC World Darts Championship. The German star booked his Tour Card by defeating Jeffrey Sparidaans in his final match of the day, having earlier overcome Danny Jansen, Romeo Grbavac and Mylo Michiels. Merk capped off his campaign with successive wins against Jeffrey Keen, Damian Mol and Sparidaans to confirm his status on tour.
Poland’s Filip Bereza completed the quartet of Tour Card winners following a remarkable comeback against Jeffrey De Zwaan. Trailing 5-1, Bereza rallied to claim a thrilling 6-5 victory, capitalizing after De Zwaan missed several match darts. Earlier in the day, Bereza defeated Michael Hurtz, Peter Keleman, Michael Unterbuchner, Marcel Otter and Maikel Verbek to reach the final hurdle.
Further opportunities await on Friday, as additional Tour Cards remain up for grabs during the concluding days of Final Stage at both Qualifying Schools.
Source: PDC.TV
