Former European Tour winners Robert Thornton and Mervyn King headlined the 18 players who won through the UK Qualifier for the HappyBet German Darts Open last night, as Steve Beaton landed a nine-dart finish in Barnsley.
Scottish star Thornton dropped just four legs as he defeated Terry Temple and Ray Campbell to secure his spot in the year’s third European Tour event, which will be held in Saarbrucken from April 21-23.
King, meanwhile, defeated Richie Corner and David Pallett with 6-3 scorelines as he qualified, while Paul Nicholson saw off Daryl Gurney and Richie Burnett as he won through.
John Henderson, another former European Tour finalist, defeated youngsters Luke Woodhouse and Keegan Brown to progress, while former World Championship finalist Andy Hamilton enjoyed wins over Wes Newton and Jamie Lewis.
Peter Jacques, a Players Championship finalist earlier this year, qualified for his European Tour debut by defeating Callan Rydz, Robert Owen and Justin Pipe.
South Africa’s Warrick Scheffer will also make his European Tour debut after overcoming fellow countryman Devon Petersen in their decider.
James Richardson defied a nine-dart finish from Steve Beaton in the opening leg of their decider to claim a 6-4 win as he qualified, while former UK Open finalist Mark Walsh defeated James Wilson and Matthew Dennant on the night.
Former World Youth Championship finalist Nathan Aspinall whitewashed Kyle Anderson in their decider, while Josh Payne, Adam Hunt, Brian Woods and Rob Cross all qualified by edging through 11-leg contests in their final clash.
Ireland’s Steve Lennon knocked out Kevin Painter to secure his place in Saarbrucken, while Jamie Bain, Darren Webster and Robbie Green also progressed on the night.
The PDC ProTour weekend in Barnsley continues today with Players Championship Seven, as a 128-player field compete for £75,000 in prize money.