Simon Whitlock has lost his PDC Tour Card. (Image: Getty)
Simon Whitlock has decided against retirement after failing to qualify for the 2025 World Darts Championship and will aim to regain his PDC Tour Card instantly at Q-School. The World Cup winner will join big hitters, including John Henderson, Mervyn King, Beau Greaves and Keegan Brown, in the final stage from January 9 to 12.
Whitlock didn’t reach Alexandra Palace this winter for the first time since 2009 after failing to qualify for five of the PDC’s ranked televised events throughout the year.
He was forced to battle for a spot via a Tour Card Holder Qualifier but tasted defeat at the first hurdle against Germany’s Paul Krohne.
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The 55-year-old then officially lost his Tour Card when Wesley Plaisier beat Ryusei Azemoto in the first round, sparking retirement speculation.
But he is determined to re-establish his status on the tour by entering Q-School, also known as Qualifying School, in Milton Keynes.
Q-School is split into two phases, the first of which takes place from January 6 to 8. A total of 379 players will enter, with Fallon Sherrock, Steve West and John Part among those entering the first phase.
Players who reach the last eight in one of the three first-phase playing days will qualify for the final stage.
Access is also awarded based on the Q-School Order of Merit, with each win in a full round worth one point.
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Simon Whitlock isn’t ready to retire yet. (Image: Getty)
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As a player who lost his PDC Tour Card last season, Whitlock automatically progresses to the final stage.
Those who finished in the top eight on the Challenge Tour and Development Tour receive the same treatment.
A total of 29 Tour Cards are available, eight of which will be distributed immediately to daily winners of the four tournaments at both the British and European Q-School.
The Order of Merit is the key to the remaining 21 at both events, handing Tour Cards to players who don’t triumph in one of the tournaments but accumulate enough points through wins.
The European Q-School receive 12 to hand out, while the UK Q-School in Milton Keynes receives nine.
Whitlock to fight for the reinstatement of his PDC Tour Card after Plaisier’s win at Ally Pally sealed his sour fate.
“I will go to Q-School, and I’ll try to get my card back. If not, then I’ve got other options. Seniors Tour, Modus [Super Series] and other things,” the Australian told Online Darts.
“It has opened a lot of doors for me, and I’m excited to try new things and have a hunger to win in different events now. So it’s actually a really good thing for me.”