Ryan Searle called the PDC’s rule change a “kick in the teeth” (Image: Getty)
Darts star Ryan Searle has on the PDC’s recent rule change which were described as a “kick in the teeth”. Searle has been unable to hide his frustration towards the changes made to European Tour tournaments, venting his disapproval despite his promise to “moan” less about the sport in 2025.
‘Heavy Metal’ had already called out the changes and questioned the purpose of the PDC Order of Merit last month. The new rules automatically guarantee the top 16 players in the world rankings a place in the second round, while the top 16 players on the Pro Tour Order of Merit will be forced to play in the first round.
That, in essence, gives the top 16 further protection by allowing them to sail through. And the 37-year-old joined fans in questioning whether the decision was due to the PDC wanting to protect the sport’s bigger names from an early exit.
Searle, whose No.19 ranking only adds to his anger, took to X last month to fume: “What is the point of the ProTour Order of Merit? The one that shows the true form and consistency of players. Asking for a friend.” Damon Heta, who benefits from the change as he ranks eighth in the PDC Order of Merit, jokingly responded to Searle’s post.
The Aussie wrote: “Mate I thought it was a New Year New You with no complaining.” That led Searle to respond with: “You are already on the face doesn’t fit blacklist so back me up.” The Somerset native referenced Heta’s controversial snubbing from the , as PDC chief executive Matt Porter admitted that the selection was partly due to the commercial value of the players.
Searle has gone on to make an excellent start at the 2025 PDC Winmau World Masters by beating Darts star Chris Dobey 3-1 in the opening round. Ahead of his last-16 match against Jonny Clayton, he once more took aim at the rule change.
Ryan Searle had promised to complain less this year (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Obviously, I’m not happy about that, because I’m not in the top 16 yet. If I beat Johnny tomorrow, I might get in the top 16 so it won’t affect me, but that doesn’t mean that I still agree with it,” Searle said.
“The top 16 are protected as it is anyway, and that only makes it worse. So yeah, obviously I do a lot of travelling going to all the Euro Tours, I try and do as many Pro Tours as I can and it just feels like a bit of a kick in the teeth.
“It’s just one of those things and I’ll deal with it. I try not to moan too much, I’ve said this year that I’m not going to moan. I’m just going to get my head down, put a lot more effort in than I have in the past and see where that takes me.”