When it comes to Grand Slams in tennis, a certain Swiss gentleman named Roger Federer rather enjoyed himself – twenty titles, countless headbands, and a legacy so polished it practically reflects sunlight. But over in the world of darts, and in particular their version of the Grand Slam, that number drops dramatically. To be precise – by twenty.
That’s because no one from Switzerland has ever qualified. You’ve got to be in it to win it, as the old saying goes. But that’s about to change. The land of Toblerones, snowy mountains, and polite neutrality is finally about to have its first ever PDC Tour Card holder. Ladies and gentlemen, give a warm, measured Swiss welcome to… Stefan Bellmont.
Let’s start with the basics. The history-maker himself, nicknamed Belli – which, I assume, is based on the first syllable of his surname rather than a cruel personal insult. Stefan hails from Cham – apparently a municipality in the canton of Zug. I can’t tell you what a canton is, nor could I point to Zug on a map, but it’s in Switzerland, and that’s enough geography for one day.
At 36, Bellmont’s no rookie. He’s had several stints on the professional circuit thanks to his Challenge Tour form, even making the semi-finals earlier this year in the Netherlands. Other times, let’s be honest, he’s been out faster than a candle in the wind. (Told you I’d sneak that one in someday, Elton.)
This year though, he’s been absolutely brilliant on the PDC’s second tier – picking up three Challenge Tour titles, making five in total across his career. He’s also got a bit of Ally Pally experience, having represented Switzerland on darts’ biggest stage last time out, losing to Jermaine Wattimena.
Add to that four World Cup appearances for his country and a WDF Helvetia title, and you’ve got a man who’s no stranger to the spotlight. This season, though, he’s clearly had tunnel vision for one thing: that golden ticket onto the main PDC tour.
Heading into the final Challenge Tour weekend in Wigan, Bellmont was right on the tail of Darius Labanauskas in the standings. And in a finish that would make Mo Farah sweat, the Swiss star surged past him to claim top spot – and with it, a well-earned place at next month’s Grand Slam of Darts.
Now, let’s be real. It’s unlikely Stefan’s going to lift the trophy in Wolverhampton. I know – never say never – but even he’d probably admit to just being happy to be there. Still, it’s a ranked event, and for players lower down the Order of Merit, it’s a handy chance to earn a few quid and gain valuable experience. Not to say he won’t be putting everything he has into it mind.
Plus, he’s been busy this year, racking up multiple Pro Tour appearances – most of which, admittedly, ended in early exits, but hey, practice makes perfect.
How many countries have been represented since 2008? I’ve no idea. Stats are someone else’s department, and frankly, they do it far better than me.
Either way, history will be made next month as the Grand Slam welcomes a competitor from a brand-new nation.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
