The race for the final World Grand Prix berths is heating up, with one European Tour event remaining and several players separated by just a few thousand pounds on the ProTour Order of Merit. Kim Huybrechts, Joe Cullen, Cristo Reyes and Sebastian Bialecki are all in contention, and the upcoming Flanders Darts Trophy could prove decisive.
On the podcast Darts Draait Door, Damian Vlottes and Vincent van der Voort analysed the situation. Van der Voort believes the opening rounds in Belgium will be especially compelling. "It's certainly tight. But that's what makes it great," he said. "So much comes into play this weekend. That makes those first couple of rounds really exciting."
According to figures discussed on the podcast, Joe Cullen currently sits on £82,750, with Cristo Reyes on £82,000. Sebastian Bialecki follows on £80,500, and Kim Huybrechts is right behind on £79,500. For Bialecki, the equation is simple: one win would vault him past Reyes. "If he wins a match, he banks £3,500. That takes him straight past Reyes," Van der Voort explained. "It's going to be a very interesting weekend."
The draw could also prove crucial. Normally, players hope to face a relatively unknown Host Nation Qualifier in round one, but Van der Voort warned that in Belgium it may not be straightforward. "It's not a given you'll face someone you expect to beat easily. So the draw will be fascinating too." Direct rivals could collide early. "Cullen and Bialecki could even draw Reyes in the first round. That would be brilliant."
Beyond those four, a few others retain a mathematical chance. According to the podcast's projections, Karel Sedlacek must at least reach the quarter-finals, while Martin Schindler needs the semi-finals. For Beau Greaves, Jeffrey de Graaf and Mickey Mansell, only the title would suffice. Van der Voort sees Huybrechts and Bialecki as the main threats to those currently in qualifying spots, though he hasn't written off Sedlacek. "I don't think Sedlacek has the form he had last year," he said. "Back then he often averaged a ton and looked very dangerous. He doesn't really have that right now."
Van der Voort particularly appreciates Huybrechts' story. The Belgian started the season with different priorities, focusing on securing his PDC circuit future. "It's impressive that Huybrechts is this close," said Van der Voort. "He went into the year aiming to make the Worlds, keep his Tour Card, and qualify for the Players Championship Finals. Now he's fighting for a Grand Prix spot. That's quite something." He added: "He's battled his way back well. We all kind of thought: he could well drop off."
Van der Voort won't predict who claims the final two World Grand Prix tickets, citing the fine margins and the influence of the draw. Cullen, thanks to his current position, holds the best hand, but his form gives the pursuers hope. "Cullen has the best cards. But he's not exactly flying," Van der Voort noted. "If he wins one round, it becomes very tough. Then the others really need to win two or three rounds." As for Bialecki, Van der Voort still believes. "I still think Bialecki has a good chance. He's also a lad who doesn't look at rankings much. He's not too bothered by that."
