The Q-School in Kalkar is in full swing. After the first two final days, the first two European Tour Card winners have been decided: Sweden’s Viktor Tingström triumphed on Day 1 of the final stage, securing a spot on the professional circuit. Germany’s Kai Gotthardt followed on Friday, winning his first-ever Tour Card after making his World Championship debut last year.
Tingström delivered three averages of over 100 on his way to victory in Kalkar. He defeated Swiss World Championship star Stefan Bellmont, Kevin Troppman, Andrea Micheletti, and former Tour Card holder Karel Sedlacek en route to the final.
The Swedish star faced the Netherlands’ Jimmy van Schie in the final and won the last two legs to claim a 6-4 victory. With a 129-checkout, he sealed his first-ever Tour Card.
“It was the best performance I’ve ever had since I started playing darts. I’m over the moon,” Tingström said after his triumph.
For “The Tunnel” Kai Gotthardt, the road to the Tour Card included wins over Jeroen Mioch and Boris Krcmar before he dominated Jamai van den Herik with an average of 108 points. This was followed by victories against fellow German Michael Unterbuchner, Davy Proosten, and Stefaan Henderyck. In the first all-German final in Q-School history, Gotthardt edged out Steven Noster in a deciding leg.
“The day was incredible. At first, I couldn’t get going and even faced a match dart against me in the second game. But then I just played my game and, I think, left no doubt that I belong on the tour,” Gotthardt said after his victory.
Players will get their next chance to win a Tour Card on Saturday. The action kicks off at 13:00 CET in Kalkar.
In addition to the daily Tour Card winners, another 21 Tour Cards will be awarded at the conclusion of Q-School based on the respective Final Stage Orders of Merit – 12 in Europe and 9 in the United Kingdom.
