The World Series of Darts Finals field is now complete following the Tour Card Holder Qualifier in Leicester on Monday, with Rob Cross, Kevin Doets, Karel Sedlacek and Callan Rydz securing the four available spots for the major event in Amsterdam from September 17-20.
Cross, a former finalist, edged out Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 in a standout tie. Both had defeated former world champions in the prior round—Cross overcame Peter Wright after overturning a 4-5 deficit, while van Duijvenbode saw off Raymond van Barneveld. Cross had earlier dropped just two legs against Carl Sneyd and Brendan Dolan, and his win cements a fourth consecutive appearance at the event.
Kevin Doets continued his fine season with a third straight qualification, defeating Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 in the final. Along the way he saw off Dennie Olde Kalter, Ricky Evans and former UK Open winner Andrew Gilding. Karel Sedlacek will make his World Series Finals debut after averaging 105.22 in a 6-4 win over Owen Bates—his third ton-plus average of the day. Callan Rydz also features for the first time, blowing away 2017 world champion Daryl Gurney 6-2 in the final match, having earlier whitewashed Robert Owen and dropped just two legs across his last two games.
There were notable early exits, with Beau Greaves losing 6-3 to Adam Gawlas just a day after Women's Series success. Martin Schindler, Mike De Decker, Ritchie Edhouse and Ricardo Pietreczko all fell in the last 64, while Cristo Reyes was dumped out despite a 106.67 average. Two-time finalist Michael Smith lost to Justin Hood, and number one seed Luke Woodhouse failed to qualify. Peter Wright and Raymond van Barneveld came close but could not take the extra step.
