The 2022 Grand Slam of Darts champion, Michael Smith, is heading back to Wolverhampton after booking his place as one of eight qualifiers in Wigan this afternoon.
It’s fair to say it’s been a year to forget for the St Helens star. Injury has plagued his season, and having missed out on the World Matchplay, the Grand Prix, and the European Championship – all familiar territory for Bully Boy – he’ll be absolutely buzzing to return to the TV stage.
The former World Champion already has his place secured for both the Players Championship Finals in Minehead and, of course, Ally Pally next month. So this is a much-needed reminder that class is permanent – and Smith remains one of the most naturally gifted throwers on the planet.
He started his Wigan campaign in ruthless fashion, averaging a shade over 105 to steamroll Rusty-Jake Rodriguez. A narrow victory over fellow former Grand Slam winner Jose de Sousa followed, before he saw off Krzysztof Ratajski to seal qualification in style.
It was also a strong day for the English contingent, with four of the eight spots going to home soil. Ricky Evans, Luke Woodhouse and Connor Scutt will join Smith in Wolves. In-form Dutchman Wessel Nijman also booked his ticket, beating Richie Edhouse 5-2 to cement qualification. Spare a thought for the 2024 European Champion, though – Edhouse fired in a staggering 112.57 average and still lost.
There was double Dutch delight as Danny Noppert overcame compatriot Dennie Olde Kalter to secure his spot, while Karel Sedláček ensured Czech representation after averaging over a ton to see off Ireland’s Keane Barry. That made seven – and completing the line-up was Lukas Wenig, who edged an in-form Jermaine Wattimena in a last-leg decider to snatch the final place and halt Wattimena’s own trip to the Midlands.
So, the field is now complete – eight more names heading to Wolverhampton. The draw will follow shortly, and once it does, we’ll be diving straight into every group, every clash, and every tungsten talking point.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
