An NHS manager from Wales is preparing for the biggest throw of his life after securing a stunning qualification for the World Darts Championship.
From Hospital Corridors to the Oche
David Davies, a 40-year-old area manager for the NHS from Denbigh in north Wales, has balanced his full-time healthcare role with competing on the PDC's second-tier Challenge Tour. His dedication has seen him use all of his annual leave to pursue his sporting ambition, a sacrifice that has now spectacularly paid off.
Davies, currently ranked 143rd in the world, earned his place at the prestigious Alexandra Palace tournament through the UK & Ireland qualifier at the start of November. He will now compete against the sport's elite, including reigning champion Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries.
Annual Leave Sacrifices for a Dream
Speaking about the challenge of juggling his career with his passion, Davies revealed the extent of his commitment. "Work have been really supportive, I've just had to use annual leave," he said.
"I have used a few unpaid weeks here and there to go to different things. It's just when you need annual leave for normal holiday stuff you're running thin because you've used them all for darts."
An Underdog's Triumph
Davies admitted that qualifying for the World Championship wasn't even on his radar at the start of the year, primarily because he didn't hold a professional tour card. Preferring to fly under the radar, his performances have slowly built a reputation for him on the circuit.
"I like people to keep me under their radar as such, but I'm slowly building a reputation where my name is on people's lips," Davies explained. "I didn't really know about the qualifier until another player mentioned it. I was sort of like 'yeah, why not?'. I've been playing good darts, I've won a Challenge Tour this year. I knew my game was there."
His confidence was well-founded. In August, Davies enjoyed a run to the last 16 of a Players Championship event, a campaign that included a notable victory over Joe Cullen before he was eventually beaten by Karel Sedlacek.
Just by qualifying for the tournament, Davies is guaranteed a £15,000 payday, a life-changing sum for an amateur player. The overall winner at Ally Pally in January will take home a staggering £1 million.
The championship will see Davies line up against the likes of Luke Littler, who was crowned world champion in January 2025 after defeating Michael van Gerwen. Littler is the current favourite to retain his title.
