Van Barneveld Through to World Championship, Evans to Play Qualifier

Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld will take part in this year's World Darts Championship. The Dutch player secured his place in the top 40 of the ProTour Order of Merit by beating Jimmy van Schie in his first match. With this result, he qualified for the World Championship for the 34th time.

English player Tommy Morris, who did not have a tour card, won the Players Championship 34 final 8-5 against Luke Humphries and became the tournament champion. Morris won the last three legs of the match and completed the victory with a 161 checkout. This also earned him a place at the Grand Slam of Darts, held from 14 to 22 November, and the World Championship at Alexandra Palace next month.

Morris, expressing his joy, also reflected on his past. He said his next goal is to win a tour card and become a full-time PDC player.

Crowd favourite Ricky Evans, however, was knocked out early after losing 6-0 to Morris in the second round. Evans will have to play a qualifying match against tour card holders to enter the World Championship. Dutch players Wesley Plaisier and Jeffrey de Zwaan also have to get through the qualifying rounds.