Changes to the UK Open amateur qualifying system

The UK Open has a tradition of giving sixteen amateur darters the opportunity to compete against the best in the world. They were previously referred to as the “Rileys Qualifiers,” having won qualifying competitions run by the chain Rileys.

But beginning with the 2025 edition, that will be different. The reason for this is that the PDC has modified how it assigns spots to amateur darters. There will be 16 slots available, and local pubs in Pencoed, Newport, Derbyshire, and Plymouth will get four of them. The four victors of these qualifying tournaments will be eligible to play in the UK Open in 2025.

The four PDC in the Community venues will each stage an Amateur Qualifier to offer one place in the Ladbrokes UK Open, and are:

25 Bull Darts – Pencoed, CF35 5FQ

Out Out Bar – Newport, NP19 8GE

Somercotes Snooker Club – Derbyshire, DE55 4HB

The Victory Pub – Plymouth, PL5 3PQ

Changes to the UK Open amateur qualifying system
Changes to the UK Open amateur qualifying system (PDC)

Each venue will stage pre-qualifiers ahead of a final qualifying round to determine their winner, who will progress to play in the Ladbrokes UK Open from February 28-March 2 at Butlin’s Minehead Resort.

In addition, a further 12 places in the Ladbrokes UK Open will be on offer in Amateur Qualifiers to be staged by the PDC on Monday January 20 in Milton Keynes and on Sunday February 9 in Wigan.

Each day will feature two events, with two players from each event progressing to the UK Open to find eight automatic qualifiers.

The final four places will be allocated from an Amateur Qualifiers Points Table, based on performances across the four events.

“The Ladbrokes UK Open has always had the unique feature of amateur hopefuls playing alongside the top professionals and this is an innovative new way for us to discover the final 16 players for next year’s event,” said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

“It’s exciting that we can welcome four venues who are part of our new PDC in the Community scheme, broadening the opportunities for players from across the UK to qualify.

“In addition, staging two days of Amateur Qualifiers will be a great chance for players to try and win a coveted spot in Minehead.”