A controversial rule change announced by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) ahead of Saturday's World Darts Championship final has been met with a furious backlash from fans and players alike.
What is the controversial new rule?
The uproar centres on a significant amendment to the Q School Tour Card qualification process. The PDC has confirmed that, from this year, the last two players standing in each day's play during the Final Stage of both the UK and European Q Schools will be awarded a coveted two-year Tour Card.
This marks a major shift from the previous format, where only the outright daily winner secured automatic qualification. The change is outlined in section 5.2 of the updated PDC Ranking Rules.
How will the new Q School system work?
The UK Q School is set for Milton Keynes, with the European event in Kalkar, Germany, both running from January 5 to 11. Under the new system, once a player earns a Tour Card, they must withdraw from the remainder of the Final Stage. Their place will then be filled by the next highest-ranked player from the First Stage Ranking List.
This 'top-up' method is designed to ensure a full field of 128 players each day for the Final Stage, allowing ranking points to be awarded for wins in the last 128. Other confirmed adjustments include each First Stage day producing 16 qualifiers, and players who lose their Tour Cards now having the option to take Challenge Tour status instead of competing at Q School.
Fan fury erupts on social media
The announcement has triggered a wave of criticism across social media platforms, with supporters labelling the move "ridiculous" and questioning its logic. One fan directly asked, "In what way will this improve the standard of the pro tour?"
Others pointed out the potential dampening effect on competition, with one remarking, "What's the point in playing a final then?" Another critic summed up the mixed feelings, stating, "They make a positive change by topping up to 128 each day and then go and spoil it by doing that."
The controversy unfolds just as the sport prepares for its showpiece event. On Saturday, 18-year-old Luke Littler will defend his title against Dutch debutant Gian van Veen in the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace. The winner will claim a record-breaking £1 million in prize money.
The timing of the PDC's announcement, overshadowing the build-up to the final, has only added to the discontent among the darts community, leaving many to question the governing body's decision-making.
