In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision meets pressure under bright lights, few stories capture the imagination quite like a legendary comeback. John Part, the Canadian icon affectionately known as “Darth Maple,” has taken a significant step toward reclaiming his place on the PDC Pro Tour. The three-time world champion has advanced to the final stage of the 2026 PDC Qualifying School, keeping alive his dream of returning to the elite circuit after a six-year hiatus.
Part, a familiar and beloved figure on Sky Sports broadcasts for his sharp analysis and insightful commentary, last held a PDC Tour Card in 2019. Since then, he has become a staple voice in the sport’s coverage, breaking down matches with the expertise only a former champion can offer. Now, at the age where many players hang up their arrows, the 59-year-old is bidding for an emotional return to competitive action. His progression through the intense first phase of Q-School underscores his enduring skill and determination.
The 2026 Qualifying School has drawn a record field of over 900 competitors across parallel events in the UK (Milton Keynes) and Europe (Kalkar, Germany). This grueling tournament serves as the primary gateway for aspiring professionals to earn a coveted two-year PDC Tour Card, granting access to the full slate of Players Championship events, European Tour qualifiers, and major championships. The competition is split into a three-day First Stage, where players battle for spots in the decisive Final Stage, followed by four days where Tour Cards are directly awarded.
In the UK Q-School, Part navigated a challenging path during the First Stage, which concluded on January 7. He secured victories against Alexander Elia, James Waite, and Darren McMahon, demonstrating flashes of the form that once made him one of the sport’s most feared players. Although he fell in the last 32 to Ultan McDyer, his accumulated points across the three days were enough to propel him into the Final Stage via the Order of Merit—a ranking system that awards one point per win, with tiebreakers based on leg difference and averages.
This qualification keeps Part firmly in contention for one of the 29 available Tour Cards this year. The Final Stage, running from January 8 to 11, features 128 players per venue. Daily winners and runners-up automatically secure cards, while additional spots are distributed via a pro-rata Order of Merit (13 in the UK, split accordingly). For Part, competing in the UK field, success here could mean an immediate return to the professional ranks, teeing up appearances in high-profile events and a chance to compete against the modern stars like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
Part is not alone among notable names advancing. Scotland’s John Henderson, a former World Cup of Darts winner known as “The Highlander,” earned automatic qualification on the final day of the First Stage with a strong run. Former BDO world champion Scott Mitchell and veteran Steve Beaton, who has been attempting his own comeback after relinquishing his card, also progressed. On the European side, players like Jeffrey de Zwaan, Cristo Reyes, and Boris Krcmar joined the Final Stage, adding depth and experience to the mix.
The atmosphere at Q-School is electric yet unforgiving. Hundreds of hopefuls, from seasoned ex-pros to ambitious amateurs, throw darts in a bid for glory. For veterans like Part, it’s a reminder of the sport’s relentless evolution. His journey resonates deeply with fans who remember his triumphs: world titles in 1994 (BDO), 2003, and 2008 (PDC), where he became the first non-European to claim the PDC crown, defeating the legendary Phil Taylor in a historic final.
A return for Part would not only add a layer of nostalgia to the tour but also bring his wealth of experience back to the oche. As a Sky Sports pundit, he has shared the booth with experts like Wayne Mardle, offering calm, tactical breakdowns that have educated a new generation of viewers. Stepping back into competition could create compelling narratives—imagine Darth Maple facing off against the young guns who grew up watching his analysis.
As the Final Stage kicks off, all eyes will be on these comeback stories. With over 900 entrants whittled down to the elite 256 across both venues, the pressure intensifies. Daily finalists earn automatic Tour Cards, making every leg crucial. Part’s progression via the Order of Merit highlights his consistency under duress, but the road ahead demands peak performance over four grueling days.
Darts fans worldwide are buzzing with anticipation. Could 2026 mark the year Darth Maple silences doubters and scripts one of the sport’s great redemption arcs? His skill remains unquestioned, his passion evident. As the arrows fly in Milton Keynes, one thing is clear: John Part is still very much within a shot of reclaiming his spot among the pros.
Leave a Reply